Thousands were told to evacuate the building as police sealed off the area and the comedian was ‘bundled off stage’
09:11, 02 May 2026Updated 10:14, 02 May 2026
Fans were abruptly told to leave the venue(Image: Facebook)
Police have issued a major update after a ‘suspicious’ incident halted Peter Kay’s show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Friday evening (May 1), with fans evacuated from the venue.
Video footage has shown the moment fans were told the performance was being cut short after reports of a potential suspicious bag being found. The Bolton comedian was ‘bundled off stage’ during the show at the arena, which holds up to 15,800 people.
The comedian was just 45 minutes into his set at the Utilita Arena when it was brought to an abrupt halt. Kay had taken to the stage at 8pm, before the incident saw him rushed off stage leaving fans confused.
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People in the crowd said there was ‘no explanation’ and no warning that anything was wrong ahead of a member of the production team heading on to the stage at around 8.45pm to say the show wouldn’t be continuing.
West Midlands Police arrested a 19-year-old man following the incident and evacuated the entire venue, with social media videos showing the arena emptying out as the house lights came on.
The force confirmed in an update on Saturday (May 2) that no items of a suspicious nature were found, and that the suspect remains in custody following a suspected bomb hoax offence.
“Following searches of the Utilita Arena last night no items of a suspicious nature were found,” a statement read. “A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a bomb hoax offence and remains in custody this morning as our enquiries continue.
“We’re grateful to everyone for their co-operation and understanding. As always our priority is the safety of the public.”
A member of production team delivered the news(Image: Facebook)
Other clips posted on social media captured the moment that ticket holders were told they would have to leave. The member of production team walked on stage to a chorus of confused shouts from members of the audience.
He was heard to say: “Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances we are going to have to stop the show. So we will be putting the house lights up and can you please follow the instructions given to you from the house staff, stewards and security.”
One person can be heard saying “what?” as another adds: “Is this a joke?” followed by “what the f***?” The clip then panned round to show the arena’s seating area as murmuring can be heard.
Other images and videos being posted to social media show crowds walking out and the arena emptying. Others said they had seen police in the arena, as well as a large presence outside.
One fan who was at the show shared on X, “Just been evacuated out the Utilitia Arena Birmingham and Peter Kay bundled off stage. Another posted a video of the arena being evacuated, writing: “Being evacuated from the Peter Kay gig in Birmingham. No information as to why.”
Police at the venue(Image: Daily Mirror)
The show, forming part of the Bolton-born funnyman’s national tour which will see all profits donated to 12 leading cancer charities, had started at 8pm. Kay is due to play the arena at the same time again on Saturday (May 2).
A Utilita Arena spokesperson said on Saturday morning: “At Utilita Arena Birmingham, the safety and security of our customers and colleagues is always our first priority.
“Our security measures include several overt and covert security measures, so whilst you may not see all operational security activity, you should be assured that it is ongoing. Our Evolv security system uses advanced sensors and AI technology to screen everyone and their bags as they enter the arena, helping security teams identify potential threats quickly and accurately, supported by additional bag searches as required.”