Co-op Live latest updates as more gigs cancelled and moved to AO Arena from troubled venue

Co-op Live was branded an 'embarrassment' by some ticketholders amid a series of cancellation announcements yesterday.

Bosses at the Eastlands venue announced a further delay to its opening season - and offered 'sincere apologies' to all ticketholders who have faced disruption so far. They said they will take a 'short pause' to 'fully ensure the safety and security of fans' after a piece of air conditioning unit fell from the ceiling before Wednesday's opening night show.

Having already postponed a number of shows, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie's concert was cancelled at the last minute as hundreds of fans waited inside and outside the venue. Two hours after the announcement, the venue confirmed Friday and Saturday’s gigs with pop star Olivia Rodrigo would also be cancelled.

READ NEXT: How Co-op Live's big aspirations led venue to be hailed 'total embarrassment' for Manchester

Then yesterday, it was announced that the opening show has been rescheduled to take place at the rival AO Arena this weekend instead. Take That's epic run of shows next week have also relocated to the AO Arena on the same date as originally planned (except for the May 8 show, which will now take place on May 9).

Keane's show, set for this Sunday, has been cancelled. The venue had already been marred by a number of setbacks, with the test event hit by problems before Peter Kay's gigs were also postponed.

A statement from Co-op Live on Thursday (May 2) said: "Following the events that led to the cancelled A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie show on 1 May, we have decided to take a short pause to events at Co-op Live to fully ensure the safety and security of fans and artists visiting the venue. This time will allow for an independent inspection of all elements of the