More concerts have been cancelled at Manchester’s new Indoor Arena after the venue said it needed more time to test its emergency procedures
Tomorrow’s concert by the Black Keys has now been rescheduled for the 15th May while Peter Kay will now play on the 23 and 24 May
The first concerts are now scheduled for next week Olivia Rodrigo’s two nights starting on Friday May 3rd with a performance by Boogie Wit Da Hoodie planned for Wednesday May 1st at which the upper tiers will be closed.
In a joint statement Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service said
As a whole group we support the decision of Co-op Live to step down the event tomorrow, and we will continue to work together as they move to completion. We have discussed with the Co-op Live venue this week the actions that they needed to take ahead of their planned public opening and while a considerable amount of work has taken place, and learning taken from last week’s test event, we all agree that there is more to complete before the venue can welcome audiences safely.
“Whilst we understand this will be disappointing, we cannot compromise on public safety. Our focus is, and always will be, the wellbeing of residents and visitors to our city. Following last Saturday’s test event, where temporary mitigations were put in place, we were assured that our concerns about the venue would be addressed before a public opening. That work is continuing as they move to welcoming events with larger audience numbers.
“The elements outstanding include a fully tested emergency services communication system, and some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures.
“Work is progressing quickly in all of these areas, and all partners involved look forward to the venue being open and able to welcome guests safely once they are completed.”
