Words by Ceejay Bonner

“Everybody loves a circus show”, were the words of Gary Barlow in 2008 when Take That released their 5th studio album, The Circus. Now, 16 years later, the tour is Back For Good in 2026, coming to eight cities across the UK and Ireland. The album’s tour became the fastest selling of all time with over 600,00 tickets sold in under five hours. So, we can be Sure that next year Take That will bring us some of the Greatest Day(s) we will Never Forget.

Take That is known for how they evolve with every record, a band that moves forward and doesn’t depend on their legacy. However, in recent interviews to support the announcement, band member Howard Donald reflected, “I wish we had done more of that, there were people that didn’t get tickets, this was a show I thought could be taken around the world”. It’s only due to the show’s huge production that it wasn’t. Hailed as a ‘trailblazing pop show’ by critics across the board, it raised the bar for live entertainment with its sheer ambition and creativity. Fans were wowed from beginning to end with a visual feast that included fire-breathers, stilt-walkers, clowns, acrobats, tap dancers, and a huge 30-foot-tall mechanical elephant, which carried the band through the audience. Take That are the first band to repeat a tour, so already they are bringing something new that will no doubt inspire other artists.

With the tour came the announcement of “TT10”. Not much has been said about the album so far, but with new music on the way and an inventory of new material since the original tour, this will be something new and even more exciting. Giving audiences who have/haven’t been to The Circus, something to be excited about. The band are set to replicate the setlist from 2009, “with a few surprises”. Songs like Giants and Get Out of Our Heads are perfect for the marching band. A reminder to fans of the band’s historic performance for the King’s coronation. It’s also great opportunity to go back to The Circus’ album tracks, we don’t see performed so much, like You, Up All Night and The Garden.

The set will bring nostalgia, going as far back as the first album with the title track Take That & Party, A Million Love Songs to now, with just about the best of everything in between, so it Promises something for everyone.

Sadly, Jason Orange, who took part in the original tour, will not be returning, but the band have been a III piece since 2015 and have shined ever since. It’s one of those shows that must be seen to be believed. The band know how special this show is to fans. Since the announcement, “They have brought the party”, says Mark Owen. 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the band, with a 3-part Ne`lix documentary on the way in the new year. A year also marking 30 years since their split in 1996. An announcement made by an emoFonal Gary at that infamous press conference leading to helplines being opened by The Samaritans for heartbroken fans. “How Deep Is Your Love will be our last single together and the Greatest Hits will be our last album, from today there is no more”. All fans needed was a “liale bit of patience”. The band are on great form, having come off the This Life tour last year, selling over 700,000 across 41 dates in 15 cities in the UK, making it the biggest-selling tour for a UK arFst that year.

They are ready to Rule The World again, and fans can’t wait.

The Script, who supported Take That on the original Circus Live Tour in 2009, will return as very special guests on all UK shows in 2026, alongside pop royalty, Belinda Carlisle, who will also perform at all UK shows. OneRepublic will support when Take That return to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 4th July.

Take That – The Circus Live – Summer 2026 Full Tour Dates: Friday 29 May – Southampton St Mary’s Stadium
Friday 05 June – Coventry Building Society Arena
Saturday 06 June – Coventry Building Society Arena Tuesday 09 June – Sunderland Stadium of Light

Friday 12 June – Glasgow Hampden Park
Saturday 13 June – Glasgow Hampden Park ** new date added Tuesday 16 June – Cardiff Principality Stadium
Friday 19 June – Manchester EFhad Stadium
Saturday 20 June – Manchester EFhad Stadium
Friday 26 June – London Stadium
Saturday 27 June – London Stadium
Saturday 4 July – Dublin Aviva Stadium

Tickets are on sale now at http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk / http://www.gigsandtours.com / http://www.takethat.com