The top dog at Co-op Live has issued a statement addressing the immediate future of the venue, which last night announced more high-profile event changes.
The enormous new arena out by the Etihad Stadium confirmed that Take That – who were lined up to play a whopping SEVEN shows at Co-op Live – would be moving their five May gigs across to established venue the AO Arena.
It follows the postponement of Olivia Rodrigo (Friday and Saturday), Keane (Sunday) and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (called off on Wednesday with fans already queueing outside) – not to mention Peter Kay and The Black Keys.
The Co-op Live has now said it will be taking ‘a short pause’ from events while it works to make the state-of-the-art space safe and secure for fans and artists.
Details of all the rescheduled shows, new dates and venue changes are towards the end of this article.
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An independent inspection of the arena ceiling will be taking place in the next fortnight.
The venue has apologised again, saying ‘we are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticket holders’.
Take That is one of the acts affected by Co-op Live’s delayed openingA Boogie Wit Da Hoodie moves Manchester gig from Co-op Live to AO Arena after cancellation
In a statement it also said that the ‘significant impact’ on fans would be addressed and recognised, at the request of naming rights partner The Co-op Group – details on what that will look like will follow.
Tim Leiweke, Chairman and CEO of Oak View Group (which owns and operates Co-op Live), has now also released a statement offering his ‘sincere apologies’.
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He said: “As many of you will know, it’s not been the smooth start we had planned for, and I know that has caused a huge amount of disruption and frustration to thousands of people.
“On behalf of all of us at Oak View Group, I’d like to express my sincere apologies to all those that have been affected. We understand that there is work to be done to rebuild your trust in us.
“This starts now and at the request of the naming rights partner, The Co-op Group, we will be addressing impact on affected ticket holders, details of which will be shared soon.
“I’d like to reiterate my sincerest apologies to everyone that has been affected by the delays around the opening of Co-op Live.
“The team here is working incredibly hard to get the building up and running, and we look forward to welcoming you to the arena from 14 May 2024.”
Co-op Live’s full statement reads: “Ticket holders and fans. 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 arena ceiling.
“We have worked with promoters to limit the impact on fans, keeping as many shows as possible in Manchester.”
As for the rest of Co-op Live’s opening gig programme (the next scheduled show is Elbow on 14 May), it continued: “At this time, we do not expect further impact on our opening season.
“We are aware our actions have frustrated and angered ticket holders.
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“We know you’ve incurred significant disruption, and are finding a way to help make it right.
“We are taking the pause to think about the best ways to do that.
“Our naming rights partner, the Co-op Group, has also expressed the importance of ensuring that the significant impact on ticketholders is recognised and addressed, with more detail to follow soon.”
New dates and venue changes for Co-op Live’s rescheduled gigs
Peter Kay – original dates 23 and 24 April. Rescheduled dates 29 and 30 April. NEW DATES 23 and 24 May.
The Black Keys – original date 27 April. New date 15 May 2024.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – original date 1 May – new date 4 May and venue change to AO Arena.
Olivia Rodrigo – original dates 3 and 4 May – new dates to be announced.
Keane – original date 5 May – new dates to be announced.
Take That – original dates 7, 10, 11, 12 May – venue change to AO Arena.
Take That – original date 8 May – new date 9 May and venue change to AO Arena.
Take That’s June dates remain unaffected.
Ticket holders for each event will be contacted by their point of purchase, and refunds will be available if preferred.
Beyond The Music moves to MediaCity for the first-time ever
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester arts festival and conference Beyond The Music is back for 2026, but this time it will be heading to MediaCity for a Salford debut.
The long weekender is still a relative newcomer when it comes to the Manc events calendar, but it’s quickly gathered plenty of repute not just in the North West but within the industry as a whole.
Holding just its third edition later this year, Beyond The Music ’26 is set to be the most ambitious yet, spread across the three days and promising an impressive lineup both in terms of live performers, but also speakers, industry experts and wider activities.
With MediaCity and dock10 hosting their inaugural Beyond The Music, it’s another big win for the second city, with Sports Personality of the Year sticking over Salford way for the foreseeable future, along with other events like the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards moving to the Quayside.
Much of the BBC’s World Cup coverage is also being hosted at their Salfordian studios and main Northern base this summer, too.
Given that so many big annual dates have now made the switch to central Manchester – the BRITs and the MOBOs, just to name two recent examples – you could say it only makes sense to spread things out across the surrounding boroughs and their equally rich heritage.
Not that you should need reminding, but Salford isn’t just part of the region: it’s a city all of its own right that boasts an immense amount of pride over what is nothing short of a sterling musical history.
As for the 2026 Beyond The Music programme, besides both the local artists and more international creatives than ever, there’ll be keynote conversations, industry showcases, and wider networking opportunities for anyone looking to immerse themselves deeper in this world.
You’ll have to wait a little while longer for a full live music lineup, but watch this space…
Mayor Andy Burnham and friends help launch Beyond the Music at MediaCityUK (Credit: Mark Waugh)
Sarah Pearson, Co-founder of Beyond The Music, said in an official statement: “Beyond The Music’s mission is to seize this moment, to come together and drive meaningful and lasting change in the music and content industry.
“It’s undeniable that the impact and importance of music and content are stronger than ever, but this is not reflected in their perceived value.
“The ethical and economic infrastructure of the music and content industries demands urgent attention and bold reform… It is our responsibility to protect creativity in order to ensure it doesn’t just survive but thrives. Things may feel difficult, but they are still possible.”
Mayor Burnham added: “Greater Manchester has always been at the forefront of cultural innovation, and Beyond The Music is a vital opportunity for the sector to come together and address the challenges and opportunities facing music and content creation…
“With its move to MediaCity and a bigger-than-ever programme, Beyond The Music is helping to cement our city region’s place at the centre of the creative economy.”
Taking place between 7-9 October 2026, you can register for early bird tickets right HERE. Roll on an even more extensive festival season than ever.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd May 2024 
