Comedian Jason Manford was forced to pull the plug on his highly anticipated Manchester performance as Storm Amy unleashed its fury on the city, creating hazardous conditions for theatre-goers.
The cancellation of Saturday night's show at the O2 Apollo Manchester came as a bitter disappointment to hundreds of fans, many of whom had travelled through deteriorating weather conditions to see the popular comedian perform.
Last-Minute Decision Amid Safety Concerns
In a heartfelt social media statement, Manford explained the difficult choice: "So sorry to everyone who was due to come to the Manchester Apollo tonight. The police and venue have advised that it's too dangerous for people to travel."
The decision wasn't taken lightly, with organisers monitoring the worsening situation throughout Saturday before making the final call to prioritise public safety.
Fan Reaction and Rescheduling Efforts
Despite their disappointment, most fans expressed understanding of the situation. Many took to social media to share their support for the decision, acknowledging the severity of the weather conditions.
Manford assured ticket holders: "We are working on a rescheduled date which we will announce as soon as possible. All original tickets will be valid."
Storm Amy's Impact on Entertainment
The cancellation highlights the significant impact extreme weather events can have on the entertainment industry. Storm Amy, which brought heavy rain and strong winds across northwest England, caused widespread disruption to events and travel throughout the region.
Other venues and events across Manchester and surrounding areas also faced cancellations and delays as emergency services urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.
The incident serves as a reminder of how British weather continues to dictate the rhythm of public life, even affecting scheduled entertainment that hundreds had been looking forward to for months.
