Taylor Swift is set to perform in London on Thursday, resuming her record-breaking world tour amid heightened security measures after an attempted Islamic State-inspired attack led to the cancellation of her Vienna shows last week.
British authorities have stated that there is no evidence linking the Vienna incident to any threat against her five upcoming performances at Wembley Stadium, where 90,000 “Swifties” are expected each night. Nevertheless, security will be stringent.
The practice of “Tay-gating,” where fans without tickets gather outside her concerts, as seen in Munich earlier this summer, will be prohibited, as officials aim to minimise vulnerabilities outside the venue.
Attendees at Wembley will be required to pass through metal detectors, and are permitted to bring only one small bag. Items such as glass and metal containers, laptops, and umbrellas are banned.
Wembley Stadium’s website has warned that anyone loitering outside the venue will be asked to leave by security.
Swift, 34, has previously expressed that her greatest concern is the safety of her fans, particularly after two tragic incidents at music events in 2017, a mass shooting in Las Vegas and a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England which prompted a re-evaluation of security at major events in the UK.
She admitted that these attacks left her “terrified” of touring, leading to additional safety precautions and planning.
In 2019, she remarked, “We have to live courageously to fully experience life, which means not being controlled by our deepest fears.”
The “Cruel Summer” singer is returning with the energy, emotional lyrics, friendship bracelets, and glittering outfits that have solidified her status as a global superstar.
She performed to sold-out crowds in Britain in June, attended by Prince William, his two children, and Keir Starmer, who has since become the prime minister. London even released a special Taylor Swift-themed tube map featuring her song titles.
Her ‘Eras’ tour is projected to generate over $1 billion in revenue, making it the first tour to reach this milestone, with 149 shows scheduled over two years. The final show will be in Canada in December.
NANCY MBAMALU
SOURCE: BBC
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