Metropolitan Police ‘well prepared’ for Taylor Swift’s Wembley concerts
Three of the singing star’s shows at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium were called off last week after an alleged plot by suspected terrorists.
The Metropolitan Police have said they are “well prepared” ahead of Taylor Swift’s run of concerts at Wembley Stadium after her Vienna shows were called off amid an alleged terror plot.
The US pop star, 34, will end the European leg of her Eras Tour with five nights at the London venue.
It comes after the Grammy-winner paid tribute to victims of the Southport attack in which three young girls were killed in a mass stabbing in July at a holiday club event themed on the singer.
Security outside the venue was heightened, with hundreds of security guards surrounding Wembley.
The elevated security has not dampened the spirits of fans, who have gathered in the long queues and made and shared friendship bracelets.
Swift had been touring to packed stadiums across the continent this spring and summer but her three shows at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium were called off last week after police uncovered an alleged plot by suspected terrorists.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan had promised at the time that the UK capital would “carry on” hosting Swift’s concerts, despite the threat.
Commander Lou Puddefoot of the Metropolitan Police told the PA news agency ahead of the London gigs: “A series of concerts will begin at Wembley on Thursday evening and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people to the capital.
“Over recent months, we have been working very closely with the stadium, event organisers and other partners, to ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“We are well prepared for this event and the public should expect to see officers, security staff and stewards working together in and around the venue and at transport hubs.
“The Met is regularly involved in the policing of these types of events and as always, we have a flexible plan in place to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves safely.
“Wembley Stadium has provided detailed advice on its website to ensure ticketholders travelling to the venue have a great experience.
“We continue to ask the public to remain vigilant and if something doesn’t feel right, to report it to a police officer or in an emergency call 999.”
The stadium has put a guide online for fans attending the shows, which warns them not to bring chains, chain wallets, studded jewellery or spurs, noise-making devices such as air horns, bells, bullhorns, thunder sticks or aerosol containers – including sunscreen, pepper spray, bug spray, or spray paint with them.
Additionally, ticketless supporters will be unable to congregate outside the stadium, thwarting an often common practice among the singer’s fans known as “tay-gating”.
A group of four students – Reeba Tovee, 19, Imogene Gatherer, 20, Ellie Behan, 19 and Carrie Ferguson, 19 – were excited about the singer’s return to Wembley after she played three Wembley dates earlier in the tour in June.
Ms Ferguson said: “I was up at 7am in anticipation. We’re so excited for the concert.”
Ms Behan said: “I’m also so excited for the atmosphere and all the girls, everyone is going to be there, it’s like girlhood. When you go to a club you don’t feel very safe, but I feel like this going to be so supportive and safe.”
Ms Tovee said: “I was praying this wasn’t cancelled. I know they’ve put a lot of extra security in now.
“When the news came out, we were all very nervous but seeing the extra security measures that have been put in place makes us feel better, there have been lots of accounts on X and TikTok saying what the safest way to get there is.”
The Anti-Hero’s August set of shows will have a different support act each day starting with instrumentalist Sofia Isella and also including Brit Award-winner Raye, Daisy Jones & the Six star Suki Waterhouse and rising stars, Maisie Peters and Holly Humberstone.
Swift’s billion-dollar Eras Tour takes fans through her back catalogue, including hits from albums 1989, Red and Midnights.
During her first London shows of the tour in June, murals, a special Tube map and a Taylor trail were among events created for fans.
Ahead of her August shows, a merchandise site opened in Green Car Park, near the stadium, on Wednesday while a London Underground service information board located at Wembley Park station displayed a love story inspired by Swift.
