Manchester’s new Co-Op Live arena still isn’t “ready” to open, meaning Peter Kay and The Black Keys have rescheduled their shows.

The news of the rescheduled shows today (April 26) comes as the £365 million arena’s general manager Gary Roden announced his resignation earlier today after a slew of issues led to a delay in the opening of what will be the UK’s biggest indoor arena.

In an X post on Friday, comedian Kay wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.

“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).”

The arena had announced on Monday that Kay’s performances would instead take place on April 29 and 30, with Kay saying he was “truly gutted” by the delay but the comedy gigs will now move again with the dates being May 23 and May 24.

In a post on X, Co-Op Live Arena said: “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.”

Peter Kay fans say further postponement of shows is ‘embarrassing’ for organisers

Peter Kay fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their frustrations with the shows moving dates again.

Replying to the comedian’s post, one said: “I’m sorry but @TheCoopLive knew this a week ago and I have wasted so much money now on travel and hotels. This is embarrassing for you.”

Another said: “Not your fault. Pretty shambolic for the venue to have initially announced the rescheduled dates for less than a week after the original dates when it was painfully obvious it wouldn't be ready though.”

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Another sympathised with Kay and said: “Not your fault but frustrating for everyone. Just relieved I can still make the new date - just!”

With two sad face emojis, another fan said their birthday plans had been altered: “Gutted I had tickets for the first date but after it got cancelled I cancelled the ticket for the 2 nd date Monday because I couldn’t make that date and now it’s changed again to a date I can go to I can’t get a ticket

“so much for a happy birthday for me Peter take care”.