Excitement builds as fans begin to arrive for Beyonce concert at Stadium of Light

More than 50,000 fans are heading to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland for the singer’s opening night of the European leg of her Formation world tour.

• Are you pictured in our Beyonce gallery? Check it out here

• The concert will be the biggest production ever seen at the Stadium of Light and the stage has taken almost a week to build, with more than 100 trucks worth of equipment brought in for the extravaganza.

Fans inside the stadium. Photo: Rachel Conner

As the countdown began the Stadium of Light was awash with ponchos and umbrellas as fans braved the rain to get the best spots for tonight's spectacular.

The weather may not have been kind to fans, but they are not letting it get in the way of the party spirit in Sunderland as the Stadium of Light prepares for its biggest ever show.

More than 50,000 people are expected for the American megastar's show

Organisers are reminding concert-goers to plan journeys carefully and arrive well in advance of the show.

External stadium courtyard areas will open at 2pm, with the main stadium gates open from 4.30pm.

The support is due on stage at approximately 7pm, with the main act due on at approximately 8pm.

Concert-goers are reminded however that show times are approximate and may be subject to change on the day.

Entry points around the stadium are clearly signposted and correspond to individual tickets.

Striking a pose - these fans get into the spirit Photo: David Wood

Fans should carefully read the details on their ticket and stadium map, which was sent to them with their tickets, and access the stadium via the relevant entry point.

Items of food or drink are not permitted to be brought into the venue. Catering outlets are available, both within the external courtyards and the stadium concourses and a wide range of food and beverage options are on offer including Domino’s pizza, street food marquees, and gin bars.

Those attending the show are also reminded that the ‘Challenge 25’ protocol will be in place and anyone wishing to purchase alcohol, who appears to be under the age of 25, will be asked to provide proof of age.

Roads immediately surrounding the stadium will be closed to all traffic on the day to ensure the safety of the large numbers of pedestrians and there are no vehicle pick up or drop off areas on, or near to the site. Those attending the show should plan their journey in advance, taking advantage of enhanced Metro and bus services to avoid delays in getting to the stadium.

Extensive car parking is available in Sunderland city centre and routes into the city will be well signposted. There is no public parking at the Stadium of Light.