Peter Kay Show Evacuated in Birmingham Over Suspicious Bag
Peter Kay's performance at the Utilita Arena Birmingham was abruptly halted and the venue evacuated following the discovery of a "potential suspicious bag." A 19-year-old man is in custody as investigations continue.
A performance by Peter Kay at Utilita Arena Birmingham was cut short last night (May 1) after a “potential suspicious bag” was discovered, leading to an evacuation of the venue.
West Midlands police confirmed that a 19-year-old man has been taken into custody. Authorities stated, “We are assisting with an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found. A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search.” They added that further updates would be provided as available.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that Kay was escorted off stage approximately 45 minutes into his performance. Attendees were then asked to leave the arena without a clear explanation.
#UPDATE | We are carrying out an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found.
A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search.
We will provide further updates when we can. pic.twitter.com/54zjZ0QqkH
— Birmingham Police (@BrumPolice) May 1, 2026
Fans took to social media to express their surprise and disappointment. One fan on X wrote, “Two blokes I’m assuming were his security, came on the stage, grabbed him and walked him down the stairs. A senior person then came onto stage, took the microphone and told everyone to leave.”
Two blokes I’m assuming were his security, came on the stage, grabbed him and walked him down the stairs. A senior person then came onto stage, took the microphone and told everyone to leave
— Richard Shepherd (@ShepStreets) May 1, 2026
Another added, “Waited years to see Peter Kay. Half hour in and evacuated. Wonderful.”
Waited years to see Peter Kay. Half hour in and evacuated. Wonderful.
— Steve Bowyer (@stevebowyer84) May 1, 2026
The Utilita Arena Birmingham issued a statement: “Utilita Arena Birmingham has been evacuated as a precaution on the advice of West Midlands police after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby. The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority. We can confirm everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure.”
The venue has stated that ticket holders will be contacted regarding the incident but has not yet confirmed any impact on tonight's show (May 2).
This news arrives amidst reports that Kay is the UK’s richest comedian, boasting an estimated fortune of £34.6million. He also recently discussed plans for a Phoenix Nights film, potentially utilizing de-ageing technology.
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