All you need to know: Take That at Carrow Road

Take That perform onstage during the finale of The National Lottery's Big Bash to celebrate 2023 at OVO Arena Wembley on 6 December 2023 in LondonImage source, Getty Images
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Take That previously played at Carrow Road in 2017 and 2019

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Excitement is building for Take That's return to Carrow Road as they bring their This Life tour to Norwich. With thousands of fans expected in and around the stadium from Tuesday afternoon, here's your guide to help you plan ahead.

What can we expect from the show?

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Olly Murs will get the party started supporting Take That

Take That are known for being great showmen, with dedicated fans travelling far and wide to see them live on stage for more than 30 years.

The trio - Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald - are performing more than 40 shows throughout April, May and June for their This Life tour.

While the days of gyrating in hot pants alongside bandmates Robbie Williams and Jason Orange may be long gone - all three are in their 50s, after all - the Carrow Road audience can still expect some of the old dance routines and plenty of razzle dazzle.

The Manchester Evening News said their AO arena show on 7 May was a departure from the "theatrics" of previous tours and packed a "real emotional punch".

Fans can look forward to spectacular staging in front of the Barclay stand, pyrotechnics, and a set list that includes old favourites as well as new material from the This Life album, released last year.

Support act Olly Murs is likely to endear himself to the audience by playing homage to the elder statesmen of pop. Let's hope things runs smoother than at Glasgow, where a bar singer replaced him at the last minute when Murs couldn't get there on time.

When does it all start?

Image source, Official Charts Company/PA
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Take That notched up a ninth UK number one album last year with This Life

Food and drink stalls in an area outside the stadium branded "The Village" will open to ticketholders from 14:00 BST on Tuesday, with the stadium opening at 17:00.

Those with tickets in the stands, rather than the pitch, cannot buy items at The Village after 17:00, and will be asked to make their way to their seats.

Olly Murs will take to the stage at 19:25, as with other concerts on the tour.

Although Take That's start time at Carrow Road has not been announced, it was given as 20:35 for their Sheffield gigs and 20:25 for Nottingham.

It is expected the show will wrap some time between 22:00 and 22:30. The curfew for live music is 23:00.

I'm getting there by car - where can I park?

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Take That are known for putting on a spectacular show

With no parking at the stadium, Norwich City has advised concert-goers to try the Riverside Entertainment Complex or car parks at Lower Clarence Road and Rose Lane.

Those in the city centre include Castle Quarter and the Forum (both of which close at midnight), Chantry Place Shopping Centre and several car parks operated by the council., external

County Hall, a 15-minute walk from the stadium, opens up its car park from 17:00.

For those who don't mind stretching their legs for about 30 minutes, City College's car park on Ipswich Road opens from 15:00. Both cost £10, with the college spaces bookable in advance, external.

Alternatively, Thickthorn park and ride , externalwill be operating late, with buses leaving Norwich bus station every five minutes, from 22:42 to 23:32.

Are extra trains running?

Image source, PA Media
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Take That will have been a trio for 10 years in September

Greater Anglia is running a normal service ahead of the concert, with extra trains, external laid on to cope with the great getaway after the show.

A 22:50 service to Lowestoft is followed by trains to Cambridge, Great Yarmouth, Sheringham, Ipswich and Ely. A final train leaves for Great Yarmouth at 23:40.

Services are expected to be very busy, with passengers advised to purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues at the station's payment machines.

"We will do as much as we can to make journeys as easy as possible and there will also be extra staff on hand to provide help and information," said Greater Anglia customer service manager, James Reeve.

What can I take with me?

All bags will be searched and any bag bigger than an A4 piece of paper is not permitted. Nor is any food and drink, other than one 500ml clear, sealed bottle of water per person.

Rain is forecast so have your poncho ready - brollies are not allowed.

Other things you cannot bring into Carrow Road include:

  • Professional cameras and recording equipment; selfie sticks

  • Signs and banners; whistles

  • Glass; cans; bottles; flasks; aerosols

Refreshments and official merchandise will be available to buy at the stadium, which is cashless.

Are there any road closures?

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Motorists have been warned of delays before and after the concert

Norwich City said some "traffic management" would be in place ahead of the concert. Road closures will kick in immediately after the show to allow pedestrians to leave safely.

Temporary signs near the stadium warn motorists of long delays between 15:00 and 22:30 on Tuesday.

What have police said?

Image source, Norfolk Constabulary
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Police officers will be in and around the stadium

Norfolk Police said uniformed and plain-clothed officers had been in the Carrow Road and Riverside area in the lead-up to Tuesday's gig, and would provide a presence on the night.

A team had been creating "a network of vigilance" among businesses and the local community, to help disrupt criminal activity, including terrorism, it added.

Digital screens have been set up to explain how to get in touch if concert-goers see anything suspicious.

"It is expected that thousands of fans will be travelling to the stadium on Tuesday afternoon so please plan ahead and respect each other," a statement added.

"We will be in and around the venue to ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe evening.

"We are always happy to have a chat, so please say hello."

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