Manilow to play Co-op Live and not 'back-up' arena

Barry Manilow will play at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester this weekend as planned, and not the rival venue he reserved as a "back-up plan" after the new building was plagued by problems.

There was a question mark over the star's gig on Sunday after Co-op Live had to cancel and move a string of shows because of delays and an incident when part of the ventilation system fell off the ceiling.

Olivia Rodrigo and Keane postponed their shows as a result, while Take That and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie moved concerts to the AO Arena across town.

Manilow's promoter also booked the AO for this Sunday as a precaution.

But after Co-op Live's opening finally went ahead this week, the US star will stick to his plan to play there.

Manilow's gig at Cop-op Live (front) will coincide with Manchester City's last home game of the season at the Etihad Stadium

Earlier this month, Manilow's husband and manager told fans on social media: "Many of you have expressed your concerns about the ongoing status of the new Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. We share your concerns."

He added that their promoter "has a back up plan and just in case, has reserved the same night… May 19th at Manchester’s AO Arena".

On Wednesday, the veteran singer posted that "Manilow at Co-op Live is sold out!" His spokesman confirmed that the show will go ahead at the venue as planned.

On Tuesday, Manchester band Elbow became the first act to headline a public show there, and The Black Keys followed on Wednesday.

The US rock duo had originally been due to appear on 27 April, but theirs was one of the concerts to be rescheduled because the arena wasn't ready in time for its intended opening date.

A long queue to get into Elbow's show snaked away from the venue and back

Manilow's visit will provide a fresh test for the site - it will be the first time a gig has coincided with a football match at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium next door.

Sunday is the last day of the Premier League season, and City will win the title if they beat West Ham in a game that is due to finish just before 18:00 BST.

If that does happen, most of the 53,000-strong crowd will then stay for the celebrations.

The doors for Co-op Live are due to open at 18:30 BST.

One tram stop serves both venues, as well as buses and a walking route. Before Elbow's show on Tuesday, a long queue for Co-op Live stretched from the arena towards the stadium, near the tram stop entrance, and back.