After all the anticipation, the wait is finally over. On Tuesday night, Take That will step onto the stage at the Stadium of Light for the first time in 15 years as they bring The Circus Live to the North East. If you are attending, we have compiled everything you need to know, from stage times to the best Metro stops.
Background
The last time Take That performed in Sunderland was in the summer of 2011, when all five original members—including Jason Orange and Robbie Williams—shared the stage. Their Progress tour arrived at the Stadium of Light two years after the original Circus tour was a massive sell-out success. Now, The Circus returns in 2026, with the new tour receiving rave reviews since its launch in Southampton on May 29.
The setlist is nearly identical to the original, but the spectacle has been elevated to new heights, something fans thought impossible. Sunderland is only the third stop on the 2026 tour, with Gary, Mark, and Howard arriving on Wearside after two acclaimed concerts in Coventry over the weekend.
Stage Times
Based on the shows in Southampton and Coventry, the approximate stage times for Sunderland are:
- 5:00 PM: Doors open
- 6:25 PM – 7:00 PM: Belinda Carlisle
- 7:20 PM – 8:05 PM: The Script
- 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM: Take That
An electric atmosphere is guaranteed, regardless of weather. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy special guests Belinda Carlisle and The Script.
Travel Information
Metro Services
Extra Metro services will run, but trains will still be very busy. Pre-planning and allowing plenty of travel time is essential. Those planning to buy a paper ticket from a Metro machine can save time by purchasing a Take That special event ticket in advance. Available now at all Metro ticket machines, it costs £7 and is valid all day on June 9 for all zones.
Park and Ride
Park and Ride services will be available from East Boldon and Heworth. Note that Park Lane Metro station will close at 10 PM, and Sunderland station will be closed to Metro customers from 10 PM.
Driving Directions
If traveling by car from the north or west of the stadium, follow the A19 to the A1231 Sunderland, then yellow signs for 'Park and Walk' to Sunderland Enterprise Park (SR5 2TA). Parking will be restricted until Enterprise Park workers have left. From the south, follow the A19 to the A1018 Sunderland, then use city centre car parks.
Traffic restrictions will be in place, with roads around the stadium closed to all traffic on the day. No public parking is available at the Stadium of Light (except for pre-booked wheelchair platform tickets) or in nearby residential streets. The main park and walk site is at Sunderland Enterprise Park on the north side of the River Wear, adjacent to the A1231 Wessington Way (20-30 minutes walk), with a signposted route to the stadium.
Entry Rules
There will be different coloured entrances based on your ticket colour. You must enter only through the zone stated on your ticket. Specific guidance on Metro stations: concert goers with purple, red, or yellow entry tickets should alight at Stadium of Light Metro station. Fans with blue, orange, platinum, green, or accessible (pink) entry tickets should alight at St Peter's Metro station.
Banned Items
- Any bags larger than A4-size (bags will be inspected)
- Alcohol and canned drinks
- Drinking glasses, glass bottles, sports bottles, flasks, and plastic bottles
- Laptops and tablets
- Large cameras and video recording equipment
- Air horns and musical instruments
- Fireworks and flares
- Knives, any other weapons, and tools
- Smoke gas canisters
- Buggies and prams
- Large umbrellas, poles, and sticks
- Flags and banners larger than 2m x 4m, and any of an offensive nature
Weather Forecast
The forecast for Tuesday night is changeable. As of 10:30 AM on Tuesday, it is expected to be chilly, with highs of only 13 degrees Celsius—almost 20 degrees less than during Radio 1's Big Weekend in Sunderland last month. There is a 75% chance of rain between 6 PM and 7 PM, and a 73% chance when Take That come on stage.
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