They’ve flocked from across the country - and further - to see their musical heroes in their home town.
Take That fans were waiting outside Manchester Arena for hours in excitement ahead of seeing Howard Donald, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen bring their 30 year anniversary greatest hits tour home.
Thatters cheered and waved as the lads arrived at the venue backstage in separate vehicles for the opening show.
Many of them, including Amanda Woods and Kay Southern, have been fans of the Relight My Fire singers since the very beginning.
Amanda and Kay met this year via an online fan forum and are attending their first Take That concert together.
“They’re amazing,” said Amanda, 43, from Bradford.
“Their fantastic and have always got time for their fans. They’ve always been great with their fans.”
And Kay, 48, from Oldham, said: “They’ve got better with age, especially Mr Barlow. I’ve always loved their music and they’re lovely with their fans.”
Diane Winnard, 37, from Doncaster, said: “I’ve been to every tour. They’re still going strong today because of their personalities.”
And Tracy Darbyshire, from Wigan, said: “I’ve never missed a show. I never stood outside their houses but I had a friend who got stuck in Mark Owen’s catflap.”
Cath and Dave Jackson from Shropshire have been going to Take That tours since they reunited in 2006 and have brought their daughter Emilie, seven, to her second tour.
Take That are playing a five night residency here at the Manchester Arena, which has been renamed the Take That Arena for the week in their honour.
The band, formed here in Manchester, are celebrating 30 years in the music business and this week they’re performing at the arena a record-breaking 46th time, the most of any act in the venue’s 24 year history.
Take That also play the area on April 23, 25, 26 and 27.
