Co-op Live first ever show: Live updates from Manchester's huge new arena

Co-op Live will open its doors tonight for a 'test event' starring Rick Astley - welcoming 11,000 fans to the venue for the very first time.

It's been years in the making but Manchester's huge new arena is set to hold its first show on Saturday (April 20) for the price of just £5 a ticket.

The KTNA will be first to open the show followed by Manchester's Everything Everything before Rick Astley takes to the stage as a headline act.

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An audience of around 11,000 will head to Co-op Live tonight, which is located next to the Etihad Arena, made up of invited guests and those who paid £5 for a ticket to be at the first test event inside the £365m arena.

The test show comes before huge acts including Peter Kay, Barry Manilow, The Killers, Eagles, Liam Gallagher, Olivia Rodrigo and Take That perform in the weeks ahead.

Our reporters Jenna Campbell and Dianne Bourne are down at the venue today and will be following the action as the day unfolds.

Follow our live updates below:

Things are getting underway @TheCoopLive now ahead of tonight’s test gig that will see 11,000 people head into the brand new entertainment venue for the first time @CityLifeManc @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/ODUMmtLDzO

A few more shots of @TheCoopLive from outside. The £365m venue officially opens on Tuesday and is a partnership between Oak View Group and Manchester City @CityLifeManc @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/kjQcQhzBfs

Lots of entertainment at the Holt Town
Tram stop where the new look walking route is being unveiled ready for opening of Co-op Live pic.twitter.com/CKSpOlsf6K

The security scanning system @TheCoopLive ahead of tonight’s test gig that will see The KTNA take to