Beyoncé to storm Sunderland stage tonight

Tonight’s the night Beyoncé is coming to slay Sunderland.

After selling out tickets a day after their release and months of anticipation, Beyoncé will make her Sunderland debut at the Stadium of Light tonight.

With what’s set to be one of the biggest stage sets ever hosted at the home of the Black Cats, the singer will open the European leg of her Formation world tour.

The club’s commercial director, Gary Hutchinson, said: “The level of excitement around this show is something that we haven’t witnessed in a long time.

“To sell out in under 24 hours perfectly demonstrates how popular Beyoncé is and what a coup being chosen to host the opening night of the European leg of the world tour is for us here in Sunderland.”

Fans were able to queue from 8am this morning, with external stadium courtyard areas opening at 2pm with the main stadium gates open from 4.30pm.

Concert-goers are reminded to plan their journey to and from the stadium carefully and arrive well in advance of the show, as entry points will be extremely busy.

Entry points around the stadium are clearly signposted and correspond to individual tickets. Fans should carefully read the details on their ticket and stadium map, which was sent to them with their tickets, and access the stadium via the relevant entry point.

Items of food or drink are not permitted to be brought into the venue. Catering outlets are available, both within the external courtyards and the stadium concourses and a wide range of food and beverage options are on offer including Domino’s pizza, street food marquees, and gin bars.

Those attending the show are also reminded that the ‘Challenge 25’ protocol will be in place and anyone wishing to purchase alcohol, who appears to be under the age of 25, will be asked to provide proof of age.

Roads immediately surrounding the stadium will be closed to all traffic as of 7am to ensure the safety of the large numbers of pedestrians and there are no vehicle pick up or drop off areas on, or near to the site. Those attending the show should plan their journey in advance, taking advantage of enhanced Metro and bus services to avoid delays in getting to the stadium.

Extensive car parking is available in Sunderland city centre and routes into the city will be well signposted. There is no public parking at the Stadium of Light.

•Follow our live coverage on Twitter @sunderlandecho and @KatyJourno and use the hashtag #BeyonceAtTheSoL to share your pictures from the night.

•Read our review of the night after the show at www.sunderlandecho.com

KEY EVENT TIMINGS (timings are approximate and may be subject to change on the day):

7am - Road closures around stadium site in place

2pm - External courtyards open

4pm - Stadium doors open for hospitality guests and early entry ticket holders

4.30pm - Main stadium doors open

7pm - Support show on stage

8pm - Beyoncé on stage

10.30pm - Show closes