Take That at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium: start time, setlist, last-minute tickets and what you need to know

Take That’s The Circus Live 2026 Tour has been working its way around the UK’s biggest stadiums, but now it’s time for the big one. The homecoming show. The group, which formed in Manchester, are set to play four nights at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium over the next week or so.

Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, who recently stopped by Glasgow and Cardiff, are playing more nights in Manchester than anywhere else. The trio are bringing back their legendary 2009 tour The Circus with a show featuring everything from clowns and fireworks to huge puppet elephants. Not to mention, of course, a stellar catalogue of pop hits.

Heading to see Take That at the Etihad? Here’s what you need to know about the shows, from the timings and setlist to remaining ticket availability.

SKIP TO:
⏱️ Set times
🏟️ Seating plan
🎤 Support
✅ Setlist
🎟️ Tickets
🎒 Bag policy
⛅️ Weather forecast

When are Take That playing Manchester’s Etihad Stadium?

Take That’s homecoming shows are on the following dates:

• Friday June 19
• Saturday June 20
• Sunday June 21
• Wednesday July 1

What time do doors open at the Etihad Stadium?

Gates open on each day at 5pm.

What time will Take That come on stage?

Expect the trio to take to the stage at 8.30pm. As always, get down early to get a good spot (if you’re standing) or to see the support acts. The show should finish by 10.30pm.

What’s the seating plan?

Find a map of the Etihad Stadium below, according to Ticketmaster.

Who is supporting Take That in Manchester?

The trio are supported in Manchester by Belinda Carlisle and The Script. Judging from previous tour stops, expect the following timings:

• Belinda Carlisle – 6.30pm
• The Script – 7.20pm

Setlist

Prefer to keep the setlist a surprise? Look away now. For an idea of what Take That could play in Manchester, this was the setlist at the previous Circus tour stop in Cardiff (according to Setlist.fm).

1. Greatest Day
2. Hello
3. Could It Be Magic (Barry Manilow cover)
4. Pray
5. A Million Love Songs
6. Back for Good
7. The Garden
8. Shine
9. Up All Night
10. Babe
11. You’re a Superstar
12. Love Ain’t Here Anymore
13. Nobody Else
14. The Circus
15. What Is Love
16. Do What U Like / Promises / It Only Takes a Minute / Take That and Party
17. Said It All
18. Never Forget
19. Patience
20. Relight My Fire (Dan Hartman cover)
21. Hold Up a Light
22. Rule the World

Last-minute Take That tickets in Manchester

At time of writing, Ticketmaster has a range of ticket options, though most are for restricted view seats or resale. Restricted view is available from £71, with resale starting slightly cheaper. There is much more availability for the final date on July 1.

Resale sites like Stubhub and Viagogo also have tickets.

What’s the Etihad Stadium’s bag policy?

Gig-goers are permitted to bring bags that are A4 in size (12”x8”x3”) or smaller. Anything larger and you’ll be asked to leave it at bag drop facilities at an extra cost.

Banned items

The following items are banned at the Etihad Stadium:

• drink glasses
• narcotics
• weapons
• airhorns
• sharp objects
• portable chargers
• long umbrellas
• bottles and cans
• cameras
• selfie sticks
• flagpoles
• tablets
• computers
• cigarettes
• e-cigarettes
• fireworks
• flares
• large flags
• baby buggies and prams
• aftershave and perfume bottles 

Weather forecast

Here’s the weather forecast for the Etihad over Take That’s four dates:

• Friday June 19 – 20C-24C, cloudy with up to a 40 percent chance of rain throughout the evening
• Saturday June 20 – 17C-20C, clear skies
• Sunday June 21 – 20C-25C, clear skies

July 1 is currently a little too far ahead for forecasters to have an accurate idea of the weather. However, the long-range forecast looks good, with highs of 24C.

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