Taylor Swift fans who don’t have tickets for her upcoming London shows at Wembley Stadium have been warned against gathering outside the venue to experience the atmosphere, a practice known as “Tay-gating.” This trend has become popular among Swift’s fanbase, with thousands flocking to areas near her concerts even if they cannot attend the show.
Last month, approximately 40,000 fans gathered on a hillside near her concert in Munich to catch a glimpse of the performance. However, after a security threat led to the cancellation of three concerts in Vienna, Wembley Stadium has decided to ban the practice for the remainder of her UK dates. The venue’s website now states that non-ticket holders will be moved on to ensure the safe entry and exit of everyone attending the concert.
Wembley Stadium has further tightened security measures for Swift’s concerts, a response that reflects ongoing precautions following the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The stadium has outlined strict rules for those attending the shows, including limiting fans to one A4-sized bag and banning various items such as banners, umbrellas, metal or glass containers, laptops, and signs larger than a sheet of A4 paper.
These measures are designed to ensure the safety of all attendees and to maintain order around the venue, especially given the large crowds expected for Swift’s performances.
Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform five nights at Wembley Stadium, beginning on August 15. These dates, combined with the three she already played in July, will see her tie the record set by Take That in 2011 for the most performances at the venue during a single tour.
Swift will surpass Michael Jackson’s record as the solo artist with the most shows at Wembley during a single tour. Jackson held the previous record with seven concerts during his 1988 Bad Tour. Swift’s ability to draw such large crowds is a testament to her status as one of the biggest global superstars, with her Eras Tour becoming a cultural phenomenon.
The Eras Tour, which spans Swift’s 18-year career, has been a massive success, with ticket sales projected to surpass $2 billion by the time the tour concludes in Canada this December. The tour features an extensive setlist that showcases hits from across Swift’s discography, with each show lasting more than three hours.
Before the cancellation of last week’s Vienna dates, Swift had already performed over 100 shows. The Vienna concerts were called off due to a security threat, with Austrian authorities foiling a plan by a supporter of the Islamic State group to carry out a suicide attack. Three suspects, aged between 17 and 19, were arrested in connection with the plot.
In the wake of the security incident in Vienna, some fans expressed concerns that the London dates might be affected. However, the Metropolitan Police have reassured the public that there is “nothing to indicate” a further threat to the London shows.
A police spokesperson stated that the authorities have worked closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure robust security and policing measures are in place. The spokesperson also emphasized that any new information would be carefully reviewed to maintain the safety of all attendees during the upcoming concerts.
As part of the preparations for the London shows, Wembley Stadium has announced earlier start times for the Eras Tour performances. In addition to Swift’s main support act, Paramore, who will perform each night, Swift has also invited other artists to join her for one night each.
These artists include Sofia Isella, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters, and Raye, adding to the excitement of the tour. Doors will open between 15:30 and 15:45 each day, with performances starting between 16:55 and 17:10, depending on the date. This careful planning ensures that the concerts run smoothly while maintaining a high level of security for all involved.
