IT HAD been years since I had last stood in the wind and rain waiting for a boyband.

But at the age of 25, I find myself once again braving the elements in the hope of catching a glimpse of Harry Styles.

The musician is currently in Brighton and Hove shooting for his new movie My Policeman, in which he plays the lead role.

The Argus: Left: My niece Nicole and I waiting to see One Direction live in 2012. Right: Me pictured in 2021Left: My niece Nicole and I waiting to see One Direction live in 2012. Right: Me pictured in 2021

So almost ten years on from my first One Direction concert, I am once again immersing myself within the Harry Styles fan community – but this time, its all in the name of work.

After learning that filming was to continue today in Brunswick Square, Hove, I headed down and found groups of fans already waiting in the park in the centre of the square.

There was an atmosphere of anticipation as fans shared excited exchanges about the possibility that Harry could appear at any moment.

The Argus: Film crews in Brunswick Square, HoveFilm crews in Brunswick Square, Hove

Film trucks began to arrive, lighting rigs were erected and mini-buses full of extras arrived, but there was still no sign of Harry.

Harry Styles superfans Lia, Zoe Emery and Mia Lewis, who study together at the University of Sussex, had already been waiting in the rain for two hours.

Zoe, 21, said she had been a fan since was 13 and was very “excited” that her idol was in town.

The Argus: Zoe Emery, Mia Lewis and Talia Duverney Ruse waiting for Harry StylesZoe Emery, Mia Lewis and Talia Duverney Ruse waiting for Harry Styles

“I’m just living my teenage fangirl life. The fact that he’s here filming in Brighton is so cool”, she said.

“I finish my degree here in a few weeks so the fact that he is here filming is just mad.”

Talia, 21, said fans have been using social media to share the filming locations.

The Argus: Fans waiting for Harry Styles in Brunswick Square, HoveFans waiting for Harry Styles in Brunswick Square, Hove

She said: “Fan pages have been posting pictures of where he might be filming and it’s really handy knowing exactly where that is.

“I can imagine people across the UK trying to figure out where it is, but we can just come down and have a look on the way to uni.

“Most of Harry’s fans are all in their early twenties now, so it’s not like it was when we were all teenagers, but it’s still very exciting.”

The Argus: Fans gathered on the set in the hope of catching a glimpse of Harry StylesFans gathered on the set in the hope of catching a glimpse of Harry Styles

But our exchange was quickly cut short when the arrival of a black vehicle prompted gasps and shrieks from the waiting crowd.

Fans rushed to get a better view. Some leapt over bushes, leaned over railings, and gripped their mobile phones for dear life in the hope of capturing the perfect photograph.

The car pulled up and out stepped Harry Styles.

The Argus: Harry Styles filming in Regncy Square, BrightonHarry Styles filming in Regncy Square, Brighton

But there was barely time to reach for your camera before he had run out of the car and inside one of the apartments.

Some may think his brief appearance would have been met with disappointment, but fans were simply thrilled that they are now able to say that they have seen their idol in the flesh.

“I can’t believe that was actually him,” one fan said.

Just as some thought that might be all they would see of Harry that day, the star came to the window and flashed a peace sign and a smile to everyone who was still waiting.

While my One Direction fan stage is well behind me, I can still understand the draw of being part of a community that shares your passion so deeply, and why so many fans will cherish their memories of seeing Harry filming in Brighton.