New arena postpones Peter Kay's opening shows

The new Co-op Live arena in Manchester has postponed its opening shows featuring comedian Peter Kay because it is not ready.

The venue, which will be the largest in the UK, held its first test event on Saturday but was forced to cancel some tickets just hours beforehand.

Kay was due to perform the first official events there this Tuesday and Wednesday.

But the venue said work on its power supply is "a few days behind" schedule.

"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," a statement said.

"Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size."

The venue will hold up to 23,500 people when fully open.

Kay's performances have been rescheduled to 29 and 30 April.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience that this change will undoubtedly cause for some," the venue added. "We are thrilled to welcome Peter Kay as our grand opening act just a few days later than planned."

Kay said: "I'm truly gutted as I know how disappointing this will be for everyone with tickets, but obviously it's a brand-new venue and it's important that everything is finished and safe for full capacity audiences.

"Fortunately, we've been able to reschedule the shows to next week, (I'll have to miss my Bums & Tums class) but hopefully I'll see you then."

US rock band The Black Keys are still due to play there on 27 April, before Kay's rescheduled dates. The venue said that gig will have a 10,000 capacity, and managers will use it to "continue to test the resilience of the venue and its operations".