Rick Astley stars as Co-op Live opens for the first time - but many fans left angry at cancelled tickets

Co-op Live opened its doors tonight for a 'test event' starring Rick Astley - welcoming thousands of fans to the venue for the very first time.

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

The KTNA were the first to open the show followed by Manchester's Everything Everything before Rick Astley took to the stage as a headline act. There was also a surprise appearance as Danny Jones from McFly took to the stage.

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It was the first test event inside the £365m arena, which is located next to the Etihad Stadium. It was the first chance for punters to sample some of the food and drink on offer inside the arena.

For those who love a pint, you're looking at £8.95 for a Guinness, Asahi Super Dry or local ale, Seven Bro7hers Easy IPA. If you're after a pint of Grolsch, it's a slightly cheaper £8.35.

There's also a "double pint" option of Asahi or Seven Bro7hers for £17.45, while the Grolsch is £16.35 for the double. Alcohol free Asahi or Guinness is £6.95.

For those who like a glass of wine, you're looking at £8.95 for the Most Wanted brand of white, red or rose wines. Bottles of When in Rome wines are £35.

An audience of 11,000, made up of invited guests and those who paid £5 for a ticket, was expected tonight.

However, a number of those were sent an email just hours before the event, telling them that their tickets had been cancelled.

The late announcement left a number of fans gutted. Alison Stafford-Bentley wrote on social media: “Thanks for cancelling tickets for tonight less than an hour before event is due to start. Absolutely fuming.”

Matt Lawton