Sunderland is celebrating a huge economic boost after an award-winning pop group gave the performance of a lifetime at the Stadium of Light.

Tens of thousands of music fans flocked to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, June 9, to see Take That perform their The Circus Live tour.

Beyond the celebrations at the Stadium of Light, business leaders, hoteliers and hospitality venues said the concert transformed fortunes across the city, bringing thousands of music fans from across the globe to our doorstep.

Sharon Appleby, chief executive of Sunderland’s BID, said: “It is fantastic to feel the amazing atmosphere across the city when there are major concerts at the Stadium of Light, and it also acts as a great reminder of how much Sunderland has to offer to both local people and to visitors to the area.

Tens of thousands of fans flocked to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, June 9, to see Take That perform their The Circus Live tour.

placeholder image — Tens of thousands of fans flocked to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday, June 9, to see Take That perform their The Circus Live tour.

“Take That had a huge, positive impact for everyone, from bars and restaurants which benefit from these huge numbers to local hotels.

“Coming hot on the heels of last weekend’s Food and Drink Festival where the city centre was buzzing with tens of thousands of visitors, along with the recent Radio 1 Big Weekend and the continued success of SAFC, all of these events including last night help to consolidate what a fantastic city Sunderland is, and contribute towards improving our reputation on a local, regional, national and international stage.”

Sunderland has been lucky enough to host a number of major sporting and music events this year, and is already gearing up to host next season’s Europa League – Sunderland AFC’s first European campaign in more than 50 years.

For hotels and the hospitality industry, concerts like these help boost trade and showcase what Sunderland is all about.

Despite the wind and rain, fans were not put off, enjoying what for many was 'The Greatest Day' of their lives.

Gareth Freeman, general manager at Hilton Garden Inn, which is located next to the Stadium of Light, said: “ As the hotel right on site, we had an absolutely amazing evening with visitors from far and wide who enjoyed the benefit of being right on the doorstep.

“Concerts like this don’t just put the city, and the hotel, on the map for the one night – it allows visitors to recognise there’s lots of reasons to return to Sunderland.

“We were sold out from virtually the moment the concert was announced, which of course is a huge benefit to us and gives us the opportunity to showcase how much the hotel and the area has to offer.”

According to the North East Chamber of Commerce, the Take That concert was a “fantastic showcase” for the city.

Take That fans queue outside the Stadium of Light hours before the doors open ahead of the show.

Jessie Kelly-Baxter, policy manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Take That concert was a fantastic showcase for Sunderland and the wider North East, bringing thousands of visitors into the city and delivering a significant boost for local businesses.

“The Chamber’s Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan highlights the important role that culture, leisure and tourism play in supporting jobs, attracting investment and driving growth in our local economy.

“Major events like this demonstrate Sunderland's growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting world-class entertainment, while generating real economic benefits for the region.

“A ‘Greatest Day’ the fans will ‘Never Forget’ and a moment for Sunderland to ‘Shine’."