How has Co-op Live changed Manchester as venue gears up for Brits

The Co-op Live arena, located in Greater Manchester, experienced a difficult and delayed opening. Originally planned to open on 23 April 2024 with a show by comedian Peter Kay, the venue’s launch was postponed twice due to readiness issues. Further setbacks included cancellations of Olivia Rodrigo’s shows and rescheduling of Take That’s concerts, with the band shifting their performances to nearby Manchester Arena.

The venue finally opened on 14 May 2024, with a performance by Elbow, but these initial problems led to reputational damage and customer dissatisfaction. Guy Dunstan, the general manager since October 2024, acknowledges the challenging start but is focused on rebuilding the arena’s reputation. Dunstan highlights positive feedback from artists such as Stevie Wonder, whose appreciation for the venue’s acoustics has helped establish Co-op Live as a “must-play venue” for artists entering the European market.

Concert-goers have started to feel more confident about attending shows at the arena. For example, Rhia, a London-based concert-goer, initially had reservations due to controversy but enjoyed her first concert there in 2025. Local fans appreciate the convenience and accessibility of the venue compared to traveling to London, with attendees like Nicole from Preston and Chance from Wigan highlighting the benefits of having big-name acts perform closer to home.

Despite these successes, some attendees note that the North-South divide persists, with major artists still favoring London for many shows. Nevertheless, Co-op Live is increasingly playing a significant role in bringing live music opportunities to the north of England

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