AO Arena in talks to take Co-op Live rescheduled gigs - including two major acts

Manchester's AO Arena is preparing to host some of the gigs pulled at the crisis-hit Co-op Live arena this weekend, the MEN can reveal, following a string of delays and rescheduled shows.

Co-op Live, in Eastlands, had been set to open to the public last month with two homecoming shows from Peter Kay. However, the £365m venue has been forced to reschedule a number of shows due to work not yet being complete.

Wednesday night’s show (May 1) with American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie was forced to be cancelled just minutes before doors to the arena were set to open. Co-op Live bosses later said this was a 'technical issue' after part of an air conditioning unit fell from the gantry inside the venue during the soundcheck.

READ MORE: Co-op Live latest updates after MORE shows cancelled at crisis-hit new venue

The M.E.N now understands that the AO Arena is currently staffing ahead of TWO shows lined up for Saturday and Sunday night (May 4 and 5).

Two separate sources have said that it is believed that A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s rescheduled show is currently being rearranged for the AO Arena on Saturday. Keane’s Sunday show, originally set for Co-op Live, could also be about to swap venues.

One source told the M.E.N that the AO Arena are currently staffing ‘all aspects’ of the venue for over the weekend, including security officers, members of the box office team and food and beverage staff.

Following the cancellation of last night’s show, Boogie said in a statement: “Something happened with the venue while I was at soundcheck today that caused cancellation of the show. 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."