On 28th February 2020, I was taken back to my youth when I attended ‘The Boys are Back’ live tour at the Bonus Arena in Hull.

For anyone that doesn’t know, this was a tour of reunited boy bands from my teens to twenties. Damage, 911, Five and A1.

For weeks, I had listened to my playlist of their greatest hits, instantly recalling every word of the songs!

On the night of the show, in my excitement, I searched for any items of clothing that I had left from the late 90’s (that still fit) and I dressed to impress in hoop earrings and Miss Sixy, my staple 90s to 00s look! If only I had some coffee shimmer lipstick to complete the look!

Upon arrival, I was not surprised to find a sea of women around my age, dressed in their favourite teenage get ups and hooped earrings too!

Although I was surprised to see how many men were at the event and not just the type that had been dragged along by their significant others!!

We had fabulous seats, thanks to my super organised friend, we were on the second row, in the centre…ideal!

In front of us were some super fans, that had followed the UK tour for 2 weeks. They had printed tour tshirts and were screaming before the lights went down for the show!

I also had a really shy and quiet superfan next to me, she was so pretty and petite, dressed in simple jeans and and knitted cream jumper and I could just picture her singing along in her bedroom, 20 years ago. I loved her instantly!

I managed to get her talking and realised just how close she was to bursting with joy, I loved her even more!

As soon as the music began, the whole audience leapt to their feet. I was so pleased. Being in the second row, you get that awkward feeling of wanting to get up, but not blocking people behind. So this was ideal!

First up were A1. It was crazy, they looked older, yes, but they still seemed the same, actually, they had aged well. All the ladies were screaming every time Ben Adams opened his mouth, it did make me chuckle.

Meanwhile, I was having a blast singing and dancing with my friends and my new superfan friend!

Next up were Damage. One my friends who refuses to enjoy R&B, disappeared to the toilet for practically the full set, which was perfect, as we had more dancing room!

I must admit, I was least excited about this act before we came. I did like their songs, but remembered them being quite slow.

But, I was so wrong, this was one of the best acts of the night! Again, older but aged well, these guys had us all dancing our socks off. I loved it. I did love watching the super fans in front, just constantly filming, grabbing the band member’s hands at every opportunity and screaming non stop…so cute.

I just kept looking at singer Jade Jones and admiring him for being married to Emma Bunton, who I adore!

Arriving back from her 30 minute toilet break, my friend managed to squeeze in a final dance before the set finished.

Next up, were 911. Now this really, BLEW MY MIND. This band had aged, not so well, but they OWNED IT! I felt at first that this was less convincing, I just couldn’t take them seriously. The vocals were fab, but they looked ready to collapse during the dance routines.

But after the first song, they had turned me around completely. I was rooting them on. I wanted them to nail every move! They were real people, just like us and I wanted them to succeed! I have got to give them credit, they were tired, exhausted and no doubt desperate for it to end, but they did not give in and they were awesome!

Lastly, my absolute faves, Five. I was initially surprised, when 5, were actually 3. Two bandmates down, I was worried that it would not be the same. But I needn’t have been concerned. They were fantastic, better than I remembered!

Every song, every move, on point. This had to be my favourite act of the night. I started to fear that my ultimate favourite song was not going to come on, but, it did!! Right at the end.

When I was younger, I worked as a PR in Corfu. This is actually how I met my darling husband!

When we worked at the club, we had a ‘PR dance’. It was to the song “Keep on Moving” by Five. Everytime it played, we would dance our routine to the holiday makers!

This was the song I was waiting for and it finally came on. I could picture my friends and I, doing the dance, on a Greek summer’s night…I was taken right back!

I loved every moment of this event, I didn’t want the night to end. If there is a second tour, I will be there again…but I’ll try for front row next and maybe grab a printed t-shirt too!!