Gary Barlow is wowing Cornwall locals despite bringing FOUR rugby matches to a standstill after landing his helicopter on a school pitch ahead of a live one-man show
- Barlow stunned Truro School players and spectators after the helicopter he had taxied to Cornwall in landed on an adjacent patch of grass
- The singer-songwriter had traveled to Truro for the final date of his one-man show A Different Stage at the seaside city’s Hall for Cornwall
- In search of a suitable landing spot, Barlow’s pilot settled on the local school while a number of student rugby matches were being held nearby
- However, some of the young rugby players had no idea who pop veteran Barlow was and had to wait before play could resume
Cornwall locals needed a little patience on Thursday after Take That star Gary Barlow brought four rugby games to a standstill while making an unexpected stop at a nearby pitch.
Barlow stunned Truro School players and viewers after the helicopter he used to taxi to the Southwest District for a live show landed on an adjacent patch of grass.
The 51-year-old singer-songwriter had traveled to Truro for the final date of his one-man show A Different Stage at the seaside city’s Grade II listed Hall for Cornwall.
Don’t mind: Cornwall locals needed a little patience on Thursday after Gary Barlow’s helicopter brought four rugby games to a standstill when it stopped at a nearby pitch
Needing a suitable landing site, Barlow’s pilot chose the local school while a number of student rugby matches were being held nearby, after receiving approval from the school staff.
Greeted by screams from middle-aged viewers, the singer, whose hits include Back for Good and Patience, said: “This is so cute. What a welcome.’
However, some of the young rugby players had no idea who pop veteran Barlow was and had to wait before play could resume.
A spokesman for the Truro School said: “Players and spectators on the pitches at the Truro School were in for a rather unexpected surprise this afternoon.
Here he comes: Barlow stunned Truro School players and viewers after the helicopter he had taxied to Cornwall for a live show landed on an adjacent patch of grass
“The acclaimed singer, songwriter, composer and producer, Gary Barlow landed his helicopter during a rugby match between Truro School and Penryn College.
“Gary greeted an enthusiastic audience before heading to the Hall in Cornwall to narrate the journey of his life alongside the music from his incredible discography.
“Our response team was on hand to secure the area and safely assist Gary on his onward journey.”
On Solid Ground: In search of a suitable place to land, Barlow’s pilot settled on the local school while a number of student rugby matches were being held nearby
Busy: The singer-songwriter had traveled to Truro for the final date of his one-man show A Different Stage at the coastal town’s Grade I listed hall for Cornwall
The spokesman added: “The school was informed of the landing in advance. But it was kept top secret and only the senior management team and operations manager knew about it.
“Unfortunately he didn’t have time to speak to anyone but he threw them all a big smile and a nice wave.
“The rugby matches took place on the fields next to where he landed. They only paused as the helicopter came down.’
Say cheese: Enthusiastic viewers snapped the star as he climbed out of his helicopter
Stunned: Some viewers later reflected on his surprise appearance in a series of Facebook posts
The four boys’ rugby matches were all Truro School versus Penryn College.
The U15 ace game was won by the home team 40:15, the U14 A duel was won by Penryn 5:30. Truro won the U12 A game 40-10 and the U12 B game 40-5.
Writing on Facebook, viewer Nita Owers commented: “I saw screams and that was just mum watching the rugby match. I felt for those poor guys because their entire support team suddenly fell apart.
“Harry Styles next time please. Can you imagine?’