Taylor Swift is set to return to the stage in London on Thursday, marking the conclusion of the European leg of her “Eras” tour. This comes just a week after her Vienna concerts were abruptly cancelled due to a foiled suicide attack plot.
An estimated 90,000 fans are expected to fill London’s Wembley Stadium for the first of five scheduled performances. In light of recent events, organizers have implemented stricter ticket checks and additional security measures.
The cancellation of Swift’s three shows in Vienna followed the uncovering of an Islamic State-inspired plot involving explosives and knives. Austrian authorities, with the assistance of U.S. intelligence, arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the terrorist organization, effectively preventing the attack.
Heightened Security Measures
London’s Metropolitan Police has reassured the public that there is no evidence suggesting that the events under investigation in Austria pose any threat to upcoming concerts in London. The police are working closely with venue security teams to ensure comprehensive security and policing measures are in place, according to a statement from a police spokesperson.
Wembley’s website has advised attendees to be prepared for additional ticket checks at the stadium.
Recent Tragedies And Swift’s Return
Swift’s return to London follows three sold-out shows in the city this past June. Her comeback also coincides with the aftermath of a tragic stabbing at a dance class themed around her music in northwest England, where three young girls lost their lives.
Reacting to the incident, Swift expressed her shock and sorrow, stating that she was at a “complete loss” for how to express her sympathies to the victims’ families. However, she has not yet commented on the decision to cancel the Vienna concerts.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan spoke to Sky News, emphasizing the city’s commitment to working closely with the police to ensure the safety of Swift’s concerts in London. Khan noted the valuable lessons learned from the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, which claimed 22 lives during an Ariana Grande concert.
Fans without tickets have also been advised that “tay-gating” – the practice of gathering outside the venue to listen to the music – will not be permitted. Wembley’s website states that non-ticket holders will be asked to move on from the area surrounding the stadium.
Anticipated Performances And Notable Attendees
Despite restrictions, some fans managed to gather outside Wembley during Swift’s June concerts. Swift herself noted that around 50,000 people listened to her recent Madrid shows from a nearby hillside, participating in the event from a distance.
Swift’s last London performances attracted several high-profile attendees, including Keir Starmer, who was a candidate for the British prime ministership at the time, and Prince William, who attended with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to celebrate his birthday. The singer shared a photo with the royals and her boyfriend, American football player Travis Kelce, captioning it, “Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start.”
After wrapping up the European portion of her tour, which began in Paris in May and has taken her across the continent, Swift will head back to North America. The final leg of her record-breaking tour is set to begin on October 18 in Miami.
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