Birmingham Utilita Arena has confirmed that comedian Peter Kay's scheduled performance will go ahead tonight, following a bomb scare that forced the evacuation of Friday's show.
The arena in Brindleyplace was evacuated just 45 minutes into Peter Kay's gig on Friday, May 1, after a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence. Armed police descended on the venue, but after an extensive search, no suspicious items were found.
Show to Proceed as Planned
A spokesperson for Utilita Arena said: "Following the precautionary evacuation of Utilita Arena Birmingham during Peter Kay's performance last night, we can confirm that tonight's Peter Kay event, May 2, will go ahead as planned."
The spokesperson added that West Midlands Police are satisfied with the security measures in place. The building was deemed safe after a thorough search.
Next Steps for Affected Fans
Fans who were disappointed by the abrupt end to Friday's show will be contacted with information about "next steps" from their original point of purchase.
The arena thanked attendees for their cooperation, which ensured a swift and safe evacuation.
Security Measures in Place
Utilita Arena bosses emphasised that safety and security are their top priority. They work closely with local and national authorities, constantly reviewing security measures.
Measures include tailored venue search operations, strategically placed security personnel, multi-purpose dog response teams, intelligence-led CCTV monitoring, and partnerships with West Midlands Police, who often deploy additional resources.
"While you may not see all security activity, please be assured that it is ongoing, often behind the scenes," the spokesperson said.
Police Statement
A West Midlands Police spokesperson confirmed: "Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night no items of a suspicious nature were found. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our enquiries continue."
They added: "We're grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public."
