Beyoncé fever took Sunderland by storm on Tuesday as crowds of fans turned out to give the American star a rousing welcome on her Renaissance World Tour date.
Hours before the music icon was set to take to the stage at the Stadium of Light, the city was already in celebratory mood with many enjoying specially laid on pre-concert entertainment. The city was geared up to host 48,000 and, with roads and public transport prepared for the extra pressure, Sunderland's bars and restaurants were set to see non-stop action too.
As fans arrived early to enjoy the build up to the concert which had been in their diaries for months, street performers and comedy shows had helped keep the early party mood going, with a three-hour programme of events - arranged by Sunderland City Council and Sunderland BID - getting under way from 4pm. And, while they enjoyed the atmosphere, fans clearly could not wait for their reunion date with Queen Bey.
