Peter Kay was rushed off stage during a Birmingham performance after a “potential suspicious bag” was found in the venue.
The Utilita Arena Birmingham was evacuated last night (May 1), and a 19-year-old man was taken into custody, West Midlands police have said. “We are assisting with an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found,” the force said.
“A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search.”
They added that they will “provide further updates when we can”.
Audience members reported that Kay was pulled from the stage about 45 minutes into his performance, and the crowd were then asked to leave the venue without being told what was happening.
#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
“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,” one fan wrote on X.
“Waited years to see Peter Kay. Half hour in and evacuated. Wonderful,” another added.
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
Waited years to see Peter Kay. Half hour in and evacuated. Wonderful.
— Steve Bowyer (@stevebowyer84) May 1, 2026
The arena said in 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 said ticket holders would be contacted, but did not say whether the incident would have any impact on the show planned to take place this evening (May 2).
In other news, it was recently revealed that Kay is the UK’s richest comedian with an estimated fortune of £34.6million.
Elsewhere, last year he discussed his plans for a Phoenix Nights film, and revealed how he plans to use de-ageing technology for the project.
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