LIVE: First gig set to go ahead at Co-op Live following weeks of chaos - latest updates

Fans are finally set to pour into Manchester's newest arena tonight as Co-op Live finally opens its doors to the public.

Thousands are expected to attend the venue's first gig with American rapper A Boogie Wit da Hoodie on Wednesday (May 1) after bosses promised the concert would go ahead as planned.

The £365m Eastlands arena was originally slated to open with a set of Peter Kay gigs starting on April 23. But following a test concert the previous Saturday, which saw capacity slashed amid concerns raised by emergency services, the Bolton comic's shows were pushed back twice.

READ MORE: Co-op Live bosses say first ever gig WILL go ahead as planned this week

The venue was rocked by another setback just days after when its general manager, Gary Roden, spectacularly quit after 12 months in the job. It follows comments Mr Roden made to the BBC about grassroots music venues sparked fury among fans in Manchester and beyond.

Co-op Live bosses then assured fans the venue would open in time for American rock band The Black Keys' gig on Saturday, April 27. But following concerns around an emergency services communication system, some remaining internal security systems, and fire safety measures, the show was pushed back to Wednesday, May 25.

Tonight, the venue is set to officially open at reduced capacity. In a statement, Co-op Live bosses said: “Let’s do this! Less than 48 hours until we kick off our full opening season. Our scheduled shows with @aboogievsartist, @oliviarodrigo and @keaneofficial are going ahead.”

We'll be bringing you all the latest updates from the UK's largest live entertainment arena in the blog below...

It has been a turbulent journey for Manchester's newest arena as it has scrambled to get ready to