CELEBRITY

Taylor Swift set for emotional London return after terror threat

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2024

Taylor Swift will take to the stage in London on Thursday, resuming the world’s biggest ever concert tour amid tightened security after a foiled Islamic State-inspired attack forced the cancellation of her Vienna dates last week.

British police have said there is nothing to indicate that events in Vienna would impact the five appearances at Wembley Stadium, where 90,000 “Swifties” are expected to cheer her on each evening. However, security is set to be tight.

Tay-gating, the practise of gathering outside a Taylor Swift show without a ticket, like thousands did in Munich earlier in the summer, will not be allowed, as authorities try to reduce harder-to-control vulnerabilities outside the venue.

Fans at Wembley will enter through metal detectors and are only allowed to bring one small bag.

Glass and metal containers, laptops and umbrellas are all banned.

“Anyone hanging around outside the stadium will be moved on by security,” Wembley said on its website.

Swift, 34, has previously said her biggest fear was the risk to her fans following two attacks at music events in 2017 — a Las Vegas shooting and a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, that prompted a rethink of the way British authorities police major shows.

She said the attacks had made her “terrified” of going on tour and prompted additional planning and safety measures.

We have to live bravely in order to truly feel alive, and that means not being ruled by our greatest fears,” she said in 2019.

The “Cruel Summer” singer will return fuelled by the positivity, heartfelt lyrics, friendship bracelets and sequined outfits that have made her a global megastar.

She performed in Britain in June to sell-out crowds that included heir-to-the-throne Prince William and two of his children, plus Keir Starmer, who has since been elected prime minister.

London also published a special Taylor Swift tube map of her song titles.