Vegan food is centre stage at Co-op Live this January
Veganuary is all year round at Co-op Live. Across the venue on all events, we have a range of vegan options to suit every palette. On Level 0 you can find the Spicy No-Chicken Burger at Soundbites featuring The Vegetarian Butcher Hentastic southern fried chicken, tangy Asian slaw and spicy mayo. Across Level 1 and Level 3 head to Saucy Chips for some Indian staples; Aloo Tikki Chaat and Vegetable Samosas or the Palak Cauliflower & No-Chicken Chunks with Gunpowder Chips. Those with Co-op Backstage Club access can treat themselves to the Chestnut Mushroom & Truffle Pizza, available exclusively in the lounge.
From food and travel to energy use and venue design, we factor in sustainability across all aspects of the venue. This commitment was brought to life in 2025 when we changed the entire menu to 100% plant-based showing support for Billie Eilish, Morrissey and Massive Attack’s long-standing dedication to environmental action.
For Billie Eilish’s shows in 2025, the 100% plant-based food menu included a bespoke vegan Billie Burrito, filled with roasted vegetables, seasoned rice and plant-based mince, available for that show only. The impact of going vegan for the show significantly reduced the event’s environmental impact.
The fully plant-based offering cut food-related emissions by 65%, saving the equivalent of 45 flights from Manchester to Dublin and conserving 3.5 million litres of water. Fans embraced the initiative, with food sales rising by 13% compared to a standard show as the Billie Burrito was a bestseller.
Sustainability extends beyond the menu. Powered by renewable energy, the venue uses smart technology to minimise waste and energy use, alongside rainwater flushing toilets and low-energy lighting. To reduce light pollution, the halo on the top of the building is switched off at 11pm. For those travelling to the venue, we encourage fans to utilise our improved Walking Route, taking fans straight from the city centre all the way to the venue, or the Metrolink Tram to Etihad Campus, helping to cut congestion and emissions. Inside the venue, Event Cup Solutions reusable cups and multiple water refill stations reduce single-use plastic waste and bins across all levels allow fans to recycle.
These initiatives form part of our wider ambition to deliver one of the most sustainable arena experiences in the world. The venue has recently been awarded Highly Commended status as an A Greener Arenaby A Greener Future, recognising its leadership in sustainable live entertainment.
Looking ahead, we will continue our sustainable approach into 2026 and beyond.
