Peter Kay rushed off stage and Birmingham arena show evacuated after suspicious bag found

Comedian Peter Kay has been rushed off stage and his Birmingham show evacuated after a suspicious bag was found.

A man has been arrested and the area is being searched as a precaution.

"We are carrying out an evacuation at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham after a potential suspicious bag was found," West Midlands Police said.

"A 19-year-old man is in custody and as a precaution the site is currently subject of a search."

An audience member said on X that Kay had "been dragged off stage abruptly and we've all been hurried out".

Audience member Jason Grinham posted on X: "Just been evacuated out the Utilitia Arena Birmingham and Peter Kay bundled off stage."

Steve Aspinall, who was there with his wife, told PA: "Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphones, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side."

Geoff Marston, from Kettering, said the audience was ushered away towards the canal but security staff wouldn't tell them what was going on.

The alert reportedly happened about 45 minutes into the show.

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Arena bosses said the venue was evacuated on police advice "after a potential suspicious bag was found nearby".

"The safety and security of our customers and colleagues is our highest priority," said a statement. "We can confirm everyone was safely evacuated and that the venue is secure."

Kay is also scheduled to play at the 15,800-capacity arena on Saturday night.

All profits from his long-running hit tour are going to a range of cancer charities.

(c) Sky News 2026: Peter Kay rushed off stage and Birmingham arena show evacuated after suspicious bag found