Fans of Taylor Swift without tickets to her upcoming London shows have been warned against gathering outside Wembley Stadium to catch a glimpse of the singer or enjoy the concert atmosphere. The stadium has made it clear that the practice, known as “Tay-gating,” is not allowed.
In recent months, it’s become common for Swift’s fans, known as “Swifties,” to gather near her concert venues even if they don’t have tickets. Last month in Munich, around 40,000 people assembled on a hillside near the venue to experience the concert from afar.
However, Wembley Stadium, where Swift is set to perform five more shows this month, has explicitly banned this practice. A notice on the stadium’s website stated, “To support the safe entry and exit of everyone within the stadium, no one is allowed to stand outside any entrance or on the Olympic Steps at the front of the stadium. Non-ticket holders will be moved on.”
Security at Wembley has been heightened since the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, and stringent measures are in place for Swift’s Eras Tour. Fans attending the concerts are limited to bringing one A4-sized bag. Items such as banners, umbrellas, glass or metal containers, iPads, laptops, aerosol sprays (including sunscreen), and signs larger than an A4 sheet are prohibited.
Earlier in August, a security threat led to the cancellation of three of Swift’s concerts in Vienna. Despite concerns from fans, the Metropolitan Police confirmed there is no indication of any similar threat to the London shows. The police have assured fans that they are working closely with Wembley’s security team to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Swift’s first of the five remaining Wembley concerts is scheduled for Thursday, August 15. These shows, combined with her previous three performances at the venue in June, will see her tie a record set by Take That, who performed eight times at Wembley during their 2011 Progress Tour. Additionally, Swift will surpass Michael Jackson’s record, becoming the solo artist with the most performances at Wembley in a single tour; Jackson played seven shows during his 1988 Bad Tour.
Despite the ban on Tay-gating at Swift’s earlier Wembley dates, some fans still managed to gather nearby. Authorities are vigilant to prevent such gatherings during the upcoming shows.
The Eras Tour, a global sensation, is expected to generate more than $2 billion in ticket sales by its conclusion in Canada this December. The tour features hits from Swift’s 18-year career and a setlist that lasts over three hours.
Concerns about the London dates arose after Austrian authorities foiled a plot by supporters of the Islamic State group to carry out a suicide attack. Three suspects, aged 17 to 19, were arrested, and officials revealed they had planned to use explosives and knives in their attack.
Wembley’s official website has also announced earlier start times for the remaining Eras shows. Alongside Paramore, who will perform every night, Swift will be joined by various support acts, including Sofia Isella, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters, and Raye, each performing on different nights. Doors will open between 15:30 and 15:45, with performances starting at 16:55 or 17:10, depending on the date.
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