Get ready to party - if you're lucky enough to have bagged a ticket of course - as the big day arrives to welcome global star Beyoncé Knowles to the North East.
The American singer, songwriter and record producer is stopping off on her Renaissance tour in Sunderland this Tuesday, May 23 and fans just can't wait. As expected, there was enormous demand for tickets once the news was announced and excitement continued to build during the countdown to the fast-approaching mega concert.
More than 48,000 fans are expected to flock to the city and they will be keen to plan their day to see Queen Bey. Texas-born Beyoncé, who shot to fame in the late 1990s as lead singer of R&B girl band Destiny's Child, remains at the top of her game.
Read more: Read more: A look back at Beyonce in the North East
Having enjoyed success too as a Hollywood actress, she is now the most-nominated women in the history of the Grammy Awards - winning a remarkable 32 - and Queen Bey continues to reign supreme. As fans prepare to welcome her back to the Stadium of Light - which she last played in June 2016 during the European leg of her Formation world tour - we have drawn up a guide to what they need to know about the gig.
We'll be bringing extra news and updates up to and including the day itself but it covers everything from the last-minute ticket situation to stadium entry procedures and rules, to help ensure that the day's plans run smoothly and everyone can just focus upon having a great time at what is Beyoncé's first solo tour in more than six years.
Gig guide to Beyoncé in Sunderland
When and where
Beyoncé will be playing the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on her Renaissance World Tour which got under way on May 10, on the back of the success of her studio album - her seventh - of the same title. The big day for Sunderland fans is May 23.
Is there a support act?
There have been rumours and wishful thinking on Twitter that Grace Jones - who collaborated on Renaissance album track Move - would be joining Beyoncé but it is now reported that there is no support act.
What time will she be on stage?
The last time Beyonce was here, the outside courtyards at the stadium opened as early as 2pm and hospitality and early ticket entry was from 4pm with the main stadium doors opening half an hour later. Back then there was a 7pm support ahead of Beyoncé taking to the stage at 8pm and the show wrapped up at 10.15pm.
This time gates to the Stadium of Light are set to open at 4.30pm and there is no support act. For her recent Cardiff show, she arrived on stage just before 8pm (expect any time from 7.30pm-8.30pm here) and her 40-songs set ended just before 10.30pm. The curfew for the Sunderland concert is 11pm.
For more about May 23's timings and how the show will be split into different sections see here.
Can I still get tickets?
There has been the expected big rush on tickets but the Ticketmaster website is still showing availability with some tickets available for re-sale from £84.40 - see here - and there also are VIP packages if you're loaded: fancy a front row spot for £1,950-£2,390 anyone? Or check out a party package still being advertised on the Stadium of Light website here. This, for £299 plus VAT, includes red carpet entry, prime seating, pre-show entertainment, a glass of Champagne upon arrival, five complimentary drinks, pre-show food and a post-show sweet cart.
For more information about tickets and seating areas see here.
What happens when I arrive at the stadium?
There are several different entry points to the stadium and early arrival is advised as there are bound to be queues. Plenty of staff will be around to guide people to their ticket areas and, as in the case of previous big concerts such as Ed Sheeran and Spice Girls, colour-coded entry points on tickets corresponded with the designated entry gates. Here's a map to give an idea of the lay-out.
Are there rules about what I can take in?
Yes, here is a list of what is banned from the stadium. Remember the venue has the right to carry out security searches and confiscate anything that is not permitted inside.
Animals, with the exception of guide dogs
Laser pens
Food and drink - concert-goers can't take in their own food but there are outlets on-site
Bottles, cans or glass containers
Sharp objects
Illegal substances
Bags should be no bigger than A4 size which is basically 11.7 inches by 8.27 inches so no rucksacks. Nor is professional filming or recording equipment allowed.
What is the set-list?
There are 16 tracks on the Renaissance album so here's a list of the songs on it that Beyoncé could pick. Her tour launched in Stockholm on May 10, giving the earliest indication of what we can expect, and then the list was circulated online. Check out some highlights below - and see all 40 listed songs here.
I’m That Girl
Cozy
Alien Superstar
Cuff It
Energy
Break My Soul
Church Girl
Plastic Off The Sofa
Virgo’s Groove
Move
Heated
Thique
All Up in Your Mind
America Has A Problem
Pure/Honey
Summer Renaissance
What about parking?
There's no parking in streets around the stadium but Sunderland City Council offers more than 1,300 local parking spaces alongside privately-run car parks and you can also look out for park-and-ride options ahead of the day. See here for more information including a new car park option which is available but will have to be pre-booked.
And the good news is that public transport is handy and there will be the usual extra - and later - Metro services we have come to expect on busy occasions.
Sunderland train station is about 10-15 minutes’ walk away; the Metro is within easy access - Stadium of Light and St Peter’s stations are the nearest stops - and the city’s main bus station, Park Lane Interchange, is also within walking distance. The stadium itself has more information about all those options and their directions here.
What about road closures?
Roads immediately surrounding the stadium will be closed to all traffic on the day, so there will be no possibility of parking or picking up at the stadium. Elsewhere traffic restrictions will be in place and driver are urged to follow these and not their sat-navs.
Keir Hardie Way will be among the closures. There will be a drop-off area at Dame Dorothy Street, a short walk from the stadium. Those driving into Sunderland should take the A1018, A183 or A690 exits from the A19.
For more information, including links to car park and public transport details, see here.
Read Next
