Co-op Live cancels further shows after “piece of air conditioning unit” falls from ceiling

Manchester’s disaster-struck Co-op Live Arena has cancelled its opening show for a third time just minutes before doors were due to open last night (May 1).

The Manchester Evening News reports that the debut event was cancelled after part of an air conditioning unit reportedly fell from the ceiling inside the venue ahead of the show.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was due to perform at the 23,500-capacity venue - now the largest indoor arena in the UK - as hundreds of fans waited outside. According to MEN, fans were told to leave due to “technical issues” just 10 minutes before he was due to step on stage.

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A spokesperson for the venue told Manchester Evening News that the decision was called after what was believed to be a piece of an air conditioning unit fell from the gantry. They confirmed that no one was injured.

Another person told the paper that they saw what looked like a “steel bar” fall from the ceiling into the arena bowl at 5:30PM, just an hour before doors opened.

"Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show," a Boogie Wit Da Hoodie posted on his Instagram story last night.

"We are working on rescheduling in the next few days I'm heated about the situation too but safety first Manchester I got you just stay tuned for further info."

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A video emerged online yesterday showing the state of the ongoing building work outside the venue just hours before A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was due to perform.

Yesterday’s cancellation follows a string of delays in the opening of the venue, which was originally projected to open to the public on Saturday, April 20. Further shows were also cancelled or postponed in April.

Last night, Co-op Live announced that the next scheduled shows, due to take place on May 3 and 4 with headliner Olivia Rodrigo, have also been cancelled. The news came with just 48 hours' notice.

“I'm sooooo disappointed that we're unable to perform in Manchester due to ongoing venue-related technical issues,” she told fans on Instagram. “I'm so bummed and I really hope to see you all soon."

Last week, Co-op Live’s general manager Gary Roden resigned just days after the venue was scheduled to open. The decision followed controversy, delays, and rows surrounding the £365 million venue.

[Via The Manchester Evening News]

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter