Excited crowds queue for Take That’s return to Sunderland

Fans in ponchos queued for hours outside the stadium, with hundreds arriving early in the hope of securing the best spot to see their music heroes Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen perform.

One family, who had been waiting since this morning, said they were “incredibly excited” for the show.

Erin Iley, Maire Iley & Kate Carpenter – Mother (middle) & daughters (either side) (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Kate Carpenter, who travelled with her mum Maire and sister Erin Iley, said: “We’ve been here since 11am, but we’re just round the corner at Roker. Mam’s been a fan all her life.”

Maire added: “My favourite is Gary, has to be Gary. I’ve seen them before but it must have been 17 years ago. This is Kate’s sixth time.”

The pop trio are bringing a revival of their hit 2009 tour to Sunderland, complete with trapeze artists, balloons and a giant elephant as part of what has been billed as “the greatest show in town”.

Take That ’The Circus Live’ show at St Mary’s Stadium. (Image: Stuart Martin)

They are expected to treat fans to a set packed with their biggest hits, from Back for Good and Patience to more recent favourites, with a few new surprises also promised.

Among those in the queue were sisters Sarah Lydon and Rebecca Forster, from Consett, who turned up in bright yellow hats as they geared up to hear their favourite track.

Sarah Lydon & sister Rebecca Forster from Consett (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Sarah said: “We’re big fans but the husbands have been dragged along, they’re here somewhere. Favourite song has to be Hello.

“We’ve only been here for 20 minutes but we’re still near the front.”

Crowds queueing outside the Stadium of Light (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Despite showers throughout the afternoon, spirits remained high as fans sang along to their favourite Take That tunes and posed for photos outside the stadium.

Crowds queueing outside the Stadium of Light (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Jim & Tracey Finley from Middlesbrough (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Jim and Tracey Finley, from Middlesbrough, said they were determined not to let the weather put a dampener on their night.

Tracey said: “My nephew looks like Gary and plays the piano just like him, we’re big fans. It’s been a bit wet but do you know what, the rain will not ruin it.”

With thousands pouring into the Stadium of Light this evening, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation ahead of Take That’s return to the North East stage, as fans young and old prepared for a night of nostalgia and pop classics.