Take That are set to perform three massive shows at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester this weekend, with the first concert taking place this evening. The group, known for hits like Greatest Day, Shine, and Back For Good, will bring their The Circus Live 2026 tour to the venue on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This tour is a spiritual revival of their 2009 tour of the same name and has received praise from fans for its impressive staging and themes.
First Manchester Performance in Two Years
This marks the band's first performance in Manchester in two years and their first at the Etihad Stadium in nine years. They will be supported by Belinda Carlisle and The Script. The stadium tour kicked off in Southampton at the end of May and has already included shows in Coventry, Sunderland, Glasgow, and Cardiff. After this weekend's three shows, the band will return for a final performance at the Etihad Stadium on July 1.
Weather Forecast for Friday
As the concert takes place in an open-air stadium, fans will need to be prepared for whatever weather Manchester brings. According to the latest Met Office forecast, there is a possibility of rain on Friday. The general outlook for June 19 includes a gentle breeze, with highs of up to 25°C and lows of 15°C. There is a 30% chance of rain from 7pm, increasing to 40% at 9pm and 10pm. Light rain could be expected from 11pm, which is when most fans will be heading home. Temperatures between 9pm and 11pm are set to be between 19°C and 21°C.
Tour Highlights
The Circus Live 2026 tour has been praised for retaining the spirit and energy of the original tour from 17 years ago, which coincided with the release of the band's 2009 album The Circus. In a review of the first show in Southampton on May 29, particular praise was given to the band and their 40-strong cast. Dianne Bourne of the M.E.N. wrote: "It's a full on Circus spectacular, a feast for the eyes as much as the ears. If anything the razzle dazzle is even more ramped up for this big return, and anyone who has bagged tickets for the 16 upcoming UK and Ireland shows over the next two months can rest assured they will well and truly be getting their money's worth with this humdinger of a show."
For those without tickets to this weekend's shows in Manchester, a special live-streamed concert on Amazon will allow fans to catch some of the action.
