A HUGE operation is ready to swing into action to ensure North-East pop fans can enjoy Take That live this weekend.

Nearly a quarter of a million music fans will descend on Wearside for the band’s first shows since welcoming Robbie Williams back into the fold.

The opening night at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light is on Friday, with more shows on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday.

A concert logistics team, including members of the emergency services, Sunderland Football Club, the city council, University of Sunderland, transport operator Nexus, and major bus companies, has been set up to deal with the number of people visiting the city.

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are expecting over 200,000 visitors to Sunderland during the course of the four concerts which Take That will perform at the Stadium of Light, and we can’t wait to welcome them.

“They will bring a tremendous boost to businesses in the city, and it’s a chance for us all to really show them what Sunderland is about.”

Bernard Garner, director general of Nexus, said the Metro system had a key role to play in getting people to and from the concerts.

“We are expecting a very busy four days as thousands of people opt for the convenience of Metro to get to the venue,” he said.

The best advice was to purchase a Metro DaySaver wristband in advance, he said.

“They offer unlimited travel on the day and take away the hassle of buying tickets on the day, when stations are expected to be busy.”

Millennium Way, which surrounds the Stadium of Light, Stadium Way and the entire Sheepfolds Industrial Estate to the south of the arena will be subject to tight traffic restrictions on concert days, with roads completely closed to the public and non-emergency vehicles.

The Wearmouth Bridge will also be closed between 10pm and 1am on all concert evenings to protect pedestrians.

Peak travel times on concert days are anticipated to be between 4pm and 7pm and from 11pm onwards.

Richard McClean, managing director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates the Metro, said: “We are expecting a large rise in passengers during the concert period as people choose the Metro to get to the event.

“As such, we want to ensure their journey remains as stress-free and prompt as possible.

“The provision of extra trains should help to alleviate large volumes of passengers boarding Metro trains at the same time and ensure a comfortable and efficient journey to the concert, which thousands of fans in the region are looking forward to.”