Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney hailed "match made in heaven" as they go public at Co-op Live launch

performances from Peter Kay on April 23 and 24. However, following a test event with Rick Astley, the comedian’s gigs were moved to April 29 and 30 due to a failed power test.

stand-up performances from Peter Kay on April 23 and 24. Following a test event with Rick Astley, however, the comedian’s gigs were postponed until April 29 and 30 due to a failed power test.A Black Keys gig that was scheduled for April 27 later had to be pushed back to May 15, and the Kay dates were delayed for the second time.Last night (May 1), A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s concert was cancelled at the last minute because of a “venue-related technical issue” before it was confirmed that Olivia Rodrigo’s shows at the Co-Op Live this Friday and Saturday (May 3, 4) had been postponed.

NME, dubbing the situation “just a joke at this point”.Yesterday (May 1) thousands of people made their way, again, to Manchester’s new Co-Op Live, the recently-built “largest in-door arena” in the UK. With a grand opening that’s been marred by pushbacks, reschedules, controversial comments about grassroots venues being “poorly run”, and the executive director resigning: the new gig space has been beleaguered by a series of chaotic issues.Aside from a test event featuring Rick Astley for which some tickets were cancelled, reducing the audience to 11,000, the venue has yet to run a show successfully on the day it was originally scheduled.It was supposed to open with performances from Peter Kay on April 23 and 24, but the shows were moved to April 29 and 30 due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.

Olivia Rodrigo has spoken out about her upcoming shows at Manchester’s Co-Op Live being postponed at the last minute, saying that she is “so disappointed” by the news.The pop star was set to perform at the new arena in Manchester tomorrow night (May 3) and Saturday (4) as part of her ongoing ‘GUTS World Tour’.However, just two days before the shows were set to go ahead, an update was shared from the venue organisers, confirming that the dates had been pushed back due to ongoing technical issues at the arena.It marked the latest in a series of shows that have been delayed due to ongoing issues with the opening week for Co-Op Live. Originally, the 23,500-capacity arena, located opposite the Etihad Stadium, was supposed to open with performances from Peter Kay on April 23 and 24.

a performance by rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie last minute due to a “venue-related technical issue”.The venue announced just 10 minutes after doors had opened that the show could no longer go ahead due to technical problems. “We kindly ask fans to leave the area.

Mark Sutherland It’s not often that a new venue dominates U.K. music industry conversation, but that’s certainly been the case with the opening – or not – of Oak View Group’s new Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

In the shadow of Manchester's mammoth new arena, a sea of workers in hi-vis jackets and hard hats are rushing back and forth.

As construction work continues around him, Tim Leiweke's optimism is unwavering.

Peter Kay has expressed his “disappointment” at having his shows at the new Co-Op Arena in Manchester postponed for the second time.The 23,500-capacity venue, which is now the largest arena in the UK, was supposed to open with performances from the comedian on April 23 and 24. However, in recent days it has seen multiple gigs cancelled following numerous rows, controversy and teething problems in the build-up to the launch.Kay’s shows – which were set to be the first official gigs held at the venue – were pushed back following a test gig with Rick Astley last weekend, with the organisers citing the arena’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.It was then confirmed earlier this morning (April 26) that an upcoming gig from The Black Keys – set for tomorrow – had been postponed as well, and the rescheduled Kay dates would be moved once again.Kay’s gigs were set to be held on April 29 and 30 following the delay.

Peter Kay and The Black Keys being forced to postpone their shows.The 23,500-capacity venue, which is now the largest arena in the UK, has faced numerous rows, controversy and teething problems in the run-up to its official launch.It was supposed to open with performances from Peter Kay on April 23 and 24, However, following a test gig featuring Rick Astley at the weekend, the shows were moved to April 29 and 30 due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.Now, it has been confirmed that the upcoming gig from The Black Keys – set for tomorrow (April 27) – has also been postponed at the last minute, and the rescheduled shows by Peter Kay will be moved once again.“Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co-op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans. To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows,” read a new statement from the venue.It added that The Black Keys will now perform on May 15, and Peter Kay will now perform on May 23 and 24.

The man behind Co-op Live has revealed exactly why the opening of Manchester's new arena has been delayed again. In an exclusive interview with the Manchester Evening News, Tim Leiweke explained why the £365m venue has pushed back Peter Kay's two performances for a second time and rescheduled The Black Keys' show tomorrow (April 27).

performances from Peter Kay on April 23 and 24 but following a test gig featuring Rick Astley at the weekend, the shows were moved to April 29 and 30 due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.Organisers insisted they were “not embarrassed” by the postponements, saying they were now focused on “ensuring a consistent total power supply”.In an appearance on BBC North West Tonight, Managing Director Tim Leiweke echoed that sentiment (via Manchester Evening News). “I think it’s a source of commitment to safety and expectations and trying to make sure that when people come in the building we do it right.

recent gig postponements, and instead “focusing on ensuring a consistent total power supply”.The new venue, which is the UK’s largest indoor arena, is located opposite Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, and features a “unique bowl design” that will bring fans “closer to the artist than at other arenas of equivalent size”, according to a spokesperson.It was set to launch this week, with Bolton comedian Peter Kay scheduled to perform yesterday (April 23) and today (April 24). However, following a test gig featuring Rick Astley over the weekend, it was later decided that the dates would be moved to next Monday (April 29) and Tuesday (30) due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.“Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay,” the venue said in a statement.

Police and fire chiefs have remained silent on why they raised safety concerns about Manchester's new Co-op Live arena before venue bosses were forced to postpone Peter Kay's two launch gigs.

Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney has shared a major update about her future on the ITV soap. The actress joined the show last year as Tyrone Dobbs' real mum and Evelyn Plummer's daughter.

The massive new Co-op Live arena, which opened its doors to the public for the first time last night (April 20), has already come under fire from some people who have been shocked by the food and drink prices advertised - with a beer setting you back an eye-wateriing £8.95.

Peter Kay shows.The Bolton comedian was due to perform tomorrow (April 23) and Wednesday (April 24) but following a test gig featuring Rick Astley at the weekend, it has been decided that the dates will be moved to next Monday (April 29) and Tuesday (30) due to the venue’s power testing falling “a few days” behind schedule.A statement from the venue said: “Following our first test event on Saturday, regretfully we have made the difficult decision to reschedule our two opening performances by Peter Kay. It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind.An important update from Co-op Live.

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton have made their red carpet debut as a duo at a star-filled event, seemingly affirming their relationship after weeks of gossip.

Pop superstar Harry Styles is one of the named investors on the huge new £365mn Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton appear to have confirmed their romance following weeks of speculation.The two stars are rumoured to be dating after meeting on Dancing on Ice last year. Coronation Street star Claire, 53, looked smitten with professional boxer Ricky, 45, on Saturday, 20 April as they attended the opening of the new Co-op Live in Manchester together.The couple posed for photos together at the star-studded event, with them both beaming from ear to ear. Claire looked incredible in a white one shoulder jumpsuit, paired with gold jewellery and statement red lipstick.