​Co-op Live shows moved to rival arena following string of cancellations

The statement also added that it has “worked with promoters to limit impact on fans”, and as such, will be “keeping as many shows as possible in Manchester”.

Take That’s five-date bill at Co-op Live has now been moved to the AO Arena, a rival venue in the city which recently came head-to-head with Co-op Live in a licensing debate.

The Manchester Evening News reports that six acts have now swapped venues, while others have been postponed, rescheduled, or cancelled outright.

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Thousands of fans who purchased tickets to cancelled and postponed shows are now demanding compensation as many were left “stranded” in Manchester after the venue pulled the plug on events just minutes before opening.

One fan who travelled over 200 miles to the arena to see A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie with her mum and sister earlier this week told The Guardian: “It’s just really unforgivable.”

She added that they were stung twice after booking tickets to Peter Kay’s postponed opening event earlier in April, spending almost £1,000 on travel and hotel rooms. “Am I going to get lots of compensation? Probably not, but a gesture would be nice,” she told The Guardian.

Last week, Co-op Live’s general manager Gary Roden resigned just days after the venue was scheduled to open. The decision followed controversy, delays, and rows surrounding the £365 million venue.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter