Comedian Peter Kay rushed off stage as audience evacuated after suspicious bag alert

Peter Kay was abruptly ushered off stage during a live performance on Friday, May 1 2026, after a security alert prompted the evacuation of an entire arena.

The comedian had been performing at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham when the show was suddenly brought to a halt around 45 minutes in.

According to witnesses, two members of staff entered the stage mid-routine, briefly spoke to Peter, and quickly escorted him away, leaving the audience confused about what was unfolding.

“At first, I thought it was part of the show,” one attendee, Steve Aspinall, said according to the Press Association. “Two guys came on, one with a mic and headphone, one guy whispered to Peter Kay and then he and Peter Kay shot off down the side.”

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The atmosphere in the venue reportedly shifted almost instantly, with the crowd unsure whether the interruption was scripted or something more serious.

“It was a strange atmosphere – eerie, just confused really,” he added. “But it was alright and everyone was calm and left quite quickly with no panic.”

Audience members were soon instructed to locate security staff and follow evacuation procedures, as announcements confirmed the show could not continue.

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Another attendee, Miranda Richardson, described how swiftly the situation unfolded.

“One minute [he’s] on stage and the gig is great, then two of the event team walk on stage straight to him, quick word and he’s ushered off,” she said. “The staff tells us due to unforeseen circumstances we all have to evacuate the arena straight away.”

She added that people began to hear reports that a suspicious bag had been found nearby.

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“No messing – it was just all out,” she said, noting that venue staff helped guide people safely from the arena.

West Midlands Police later confirmed that a 19-year-old man had been detained in connection with the incident, and that officers were carrying out searches in and around the venue.

A spokesperson for the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), which operates the arena, said the decision to evacuate had been taken as a precaution following advice from police.

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