Beyonce brought her Formation world tour to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light and the global superstar lit up the stage despite coming on nearly an hour late.

Not even Queen Bey can control the weather, and a heavy downpour in the city delayed the US singer from hitting the stage until 8.45pm on Tuesday night.

Beyonce's Formation World Tour at the UK's Stadium of Light
Beyonce’s Formation world tour at the Stadium of Light (Daniela Vesco/Invision for Parkwood Entertainment/AP)

“Welcome to the Formation Tour! If y’all came to slay tonight, say: ‘I slay!’” she commanded the adoring crowd.

Beyonce then launched into a set which included her smash hits Crazy In Love, Halo, Run The World (Girls) and Drunk In Love.

The singer also performed tracks from new album Lemonade including Sorry and Don’t Hurt Yourself, but there was no repeat of the sneeze she let out previously during an a cappella version of Love On Top.

Touchingly, she remembered the late star Prince with a tribute in which the centre of the stage turned purple while Purple Rain played.

Beyonce came, she slayed and she conquered. Little wonder fans who attended the concert could not contain their joy on Twitter.

All hail Queen Bey!