How to make the most of Take That's Circus tour

Stuart RustSouth of England
News imageGetty Images Take That, with four members, are pictured on stage during a live performance. All four members of the band appear to be singing into microphones on stands. Behind them there is a large circus-themed set, including a tall structure with trapeze artists at the top. Getty Images
The Circus Live sold 600,000 tickets in under five hours when it first toured in 2009

Take That are bringing their legendary Circus Live tour back to the road this summer - and Southampton is where it all begins.

The band kick off 11 nights across the UK and Ireland at St Mary's Stadium on 29 and 30 May, with support from Belinda Carlisle and The Script.

The original 2009 tour sold 600,000 tickets in under five hours and was seen by more than a million fans.

Now, 17 years on, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald are doing it all again. Here is everything you need to know before you go.

What is the Circus Live tour?

News imageGetty Images Take That stand together on a platform which sits on the back of a large mechanical elephant. The band members are waving and spreading their arms. A huge crowd is looking on in the background. Getty Images
A 30ft mechanical elephant used in the original tour may return this year

The original Circus Live tour in 2009 was one of the biggest in British music history.

More than one million fans attended across the UK and Ireland and it was the fastest selling tour the country had ever seen.

The original show was known for its elaborate staging, circus performers, pyrotechnics - and even a 30ft (9m) mechanical elephant.

The 2026 version is a reboot of that show, arriving 17 years on and timed to coincide with the band's 10th studio album, due out later this year.

There is one significant change from the original: Jason Orange, who was part of the band in 2009, left in 2014 and will not be part of the tour.

When does it start?

Doors open at 17:00 BST on both nights, with the food village outside the stadium opening from 14:00.

The concert is expected to finish at about 22:30.

Are there still tickets?

News imageA drone shot looking down on St Mary's Stadium in Southampton. Within the stadium we can just make out a large colourful stage, as preparations for Take That's tour take place.
Take That's Circus Live stage, revealed here in exclusive BBC drone shots, is being assembled at St Mary's Stadium

A limited number of tickets for both Southampton nights remain on sale.

They can be purchased through Ticketmaster or SEE Tickets.

Those who have already bought tickets should have received them as e-tickets.

A box office will also be available on the day near the Ted Bates statue at the front of the stadium.

Accessible tickets for both nights are now sold out.

For specific accessibility queries, contact Southampton FC's supporter services team.

Getting there

News imageGetty Images Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow are seated and holding microphones. Owen, who sits to the left, is smiling and holding his microphone up to his mouth. Getty Images
Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow bring the show to Southampton on 29 and 30 May

There is no parking at St Mary's Stadium, so fans driving to the event should use city centre car parks.

A shuttle bus will run from Southampton Central train station and Town Quay - the Red Jet ferry terminal - from 14:00 through to 23:30, with return services running after the show.

The last bus leaves approximately an hour after the concert ends. Tickets cost £5 for a single or £5 for a return.

A park and ride service will also operate from Adanac Health and Innovation Campus for those travelling into the city by car.

For fans travelling from further afield, Big Green Coach is running services from a number of towns across the South, including Bournemouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Winchester and Reading.

Taxis should drop off and collect at Chapel Road.

Accessible drop-off and pick-up is available on Melbourne Street. A valid Blue Badge must be displayed.

What to bring - and what to leave at home

News imageGetty Images Take That stand at the front of a stage during a live performance. The four members have their arms raised up into the air. The arena seems largely dark other than the spotlight shining on the band. Getty Images
Take That have described the Circus tour as "one of our favourite experiences as a band"

St Mary's is a cashless venue, meaning it will only accept cards and contactless payments.

Fans are advised to travel without a bag where possible. If you do bring one, it must be no larger than A4 size.

There is no bag drop available and oversized bags will not be admitted.

Prohibited items include professional cameras, recording equipment, glass containers, umbrellas and flammable liquids.

Outside food and drink cannot be brought in, except for medical reasons.

A wide range of food and drink will be available inside, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Alcohol will also be on sale in designated areas.

Smoking and vaping are only permitted outside the stadium footprint.

Children and age restrictions

Children under five are not permitted.

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.

The pit and standing areas have a minimum age of 14.

Once you are in

You can leave the stadium to access the food village outside, but once you exit the wider event site entirely, re-entry will not be permitted.