TAKE That are to take to the stage at St Mary's Stadium tonight and fans are set to bring more than £1m to the city's economy.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald at to take to the Southampton stage in one of the most hotly anticipated gigs this year in the city.

With more than 30,000 people expected to descend on the city for the event, civic chiefs have estimated a £1 million contribution to the economy.

Cabinet member for homes and culture, Cllr Satvir Kaur, said: "Take That provided the soundtrack to my youth and I am excited about this weekend’s show at St Mary’s Stadium.

"The band have stood the test of time and will attract fans from near and far and all ages to the city.

"Major events such as these are so important to the city as they provide a significant contribution to the local economy, estimated at over £1 million, and continue to build upon our profile as we seek to achieve UK City of Culture."

It is believed this is the first time the boy band have ever brought a major show to the city.

And the announcement comes just months after the Rolling Stones rocked St Mary's - while music superstar Sir Rod Stewart is due to play the same venue next week.

The band started their tour at the start in April in Sheffield.

The group have since taken centre stage in Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, London, Birmingham and Milton Keynes.

The band will be performing all their much loved greatest hits live during the 30th anniversary tour, which follows the release of Odyssey, a journey through the incredible musical history of one of the UK’s most successful bands of all time.

Supported by Rick Astley, the pop group will have backing vocals provided by Southampton based pop, soul and gospel performers Love Soul Choir.

Thirty members of the popular choir, who have appeared on prime time TV and sung with Susan Boyle, have been busy rehearsing for their biggest ever performance, providing backing vocals for the world’s biggest boyband in front of a sold out crowd of more than 30,000.