It was a spectacular homecoming for Take That in Manchester, as Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Gary Barlow staged the big return of the Circus Live tour, 17 years after the original. Back in 2009 it was Emirates Old Trafford that hosted the show, but the reboot headed to the Etihad Stadium this weekend with some 150,000 expected over the three weekend shows.
A Feast for the Senses
The show was a real feast for the eyes and ears, with the Circus theme throughout delivering spectacle after spectacle including trapeze artists, tightrope walkers and clowns. There was also the show's most iconic moment when the trio ride a giant elephant through the crowds.
A photographer was there to capture the show, including the special moment that the band first arrive on stage in a cloud of colourful balloons. They stepped back in time reprising some of their classic 90s dance moves on Could it Be Magic and Pray, before Gary gave heartfelt thanks to the Manchester audience for always sticking with the band.
Gallery of Magical Moments
Below, swipe through our gallery to see some of the magical moments from the show, including the performances from the support acts The Script which included frontman Danny O'Donoghue staging an impressive full crowd walk-through, and Belinda Carlisle dancing barefoot across the stage while singing her 80s chart-topping anthems.
- Take That's Howard, Gary and Mark unite on stage
- A floral extravaganza for the second song of the night - Hello
- The trio reprised their classic 90s dance moves at the start of the show on Could it Be Magic and Pray
- The big balloon start is a spinetingler as Greatest Day is performed
- Look at those moves from the Take That trio!
- Howard thanked the hometown crowd throughout the night at the Etihad Stadium
- The band start on the B stage in the middle of the Etihad Stadium
- It was a real Circus extravaganza at the Take That show
- The band were joined by cloud suit men for the start of the show
- The classic dance moves of Pray were lapped up by the crowds
- Gary thanks the Manchester audience for their support
- Rocking out with the balloon crew!
- Mark on stage in his black cape at the start of the show
- The moment fans love - the giant elephant strides through the crowds at the Etihad Stadium
- Howard on singing duties
- Gary, Mark and Howard are in fine form for the new reboot of the Circus Live
- Just look at the crowds loving Mark on stage
- Take That reprise their 90s dance moves in Manchester
- What a show from the trio
- Another classic Pray move here from Mark
- It's a colourful and spectacular show from start to finish
- Busting some moves
- The show starts with Greatest Day, Hello and then Could it Be Magic and Pray
- Time for more cheeky dance moves
- The stage was set for a Circus spectacle
- Earlier The Script took their bows... The Script were in scintillating form at The Etihad Stadium
- Frontman Danny O'Donoghue made use of the WHOLE stadium with his performance
- Danny sings to the crowds
- Frontman Danny staged a spectacular fan walk-through while singing Nothing
- Look at all those arms!
- What a night for the band, who supported on Take That's Circus tour in 2009 as well
- Danny ran through the crowds as he sang Nothing
- A special night for Danny and The Script
- Danny meeting all the crowd
- Barefoot Belinda Carlisle started the night. At 6.25pm 80s icon Belinda started the show
- Belinda sang her biggest hits, including I Get Weak, Leave a Light On and Summer Rain
- She danced barefoot across the stage, and fans loved her finale number of Heaven is a Place on Earth
- Belinda dazzled in a black sequin outfit on stage
- And Manchester fans didn't disappoint either. Fans headed out in an assortment of colourful Circus-themed outfits
- Bowler hats were naturally the headwear of choice!
