A GENERATION of music fans will be revelling in the sounds that shaped their youth this weekend as the Darlington Arena prepares to stage a pop concert two decades in the making.

Children and teenagers of the ‘90s and noughties who sang Steps songs into their hairbrushes and memorised the dance routine to Tragedy will come face-to-face with the pop group they grew up with on Sunday.

Steps, who shot to international fame on the release of their first single – 5, 6, 7, 8 – in 1998, are headlining the Summer of Steps tour at The Northern Echo Arena.

Thousands of fans are expected to spend the bank holiday in the sunshine for the outdoor performance, which will include support from fellow pop giants, Blue, and ABBA parody group, Björn Again.

Event organisers are expecting the same success they enjoyed exactly one year ago after playing host to reggae icons UB40 at the arena home to Darlington Mowden Park RFC.

Lee Rust, managing director at Mowden Park, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming such fantastic acts to Darlington on what should be a very popular May bank holiday weekend.

“This should be a memorable occasion for the town and region to enjoy.

“Following the success of the UB40 concert last year we’re thrilled to be hosting another high profile event, with a-ha to follow later this summer.

“This sits as part of a growing event calendar as we look to establish the arena as a regional events hub.”

For the concert, which will begin at 4pm, audiences will be both standing and seated, with a stage set in front of the arena’s north stand. The south stand will be reserved for seating, while the pitch will be split into bronze, silver and gold standing areas.

Simon Webbe, who will be performing alongside his Blue bandmates on Sunday, told The Northern Echo: “We grew up with Steps – they were around for probably five years before Blue was even thought of so we definitely look up to them.

“It’s a genuine honour for us to be opening for them and to share that stage together. They really are amazing and their music takes people all the way back to the ‘70s and right through to now.

“We’re looking forward to sharing this experience with them.”

Audiences are advised to bring valid ID alongside their tickets and no food or drinks can be brought into the arena, with all concert-goers subject to bag searches and spot checks.

Limited parking will be available at the venue and it must be pre-booked by calling the arena or by visiting the main reception. Parking is £5 per car and drivers will be given a coded car park pass to be displayed in their vehicles prior to arrival.

No tickets for the car park will be sold on the day and concert organisers have advised anyone arriving by car to park in Darlington town centre before using public transport or taxis to get to the venue.