Stay Updated Live from London

LONDON — Welcome to the live blog for the Eras Tour in London!

Taylor Swift returns to the stage for the final stop on the European leg of the Eras Tour after a suspected terror plot was thwarted in Vienna. Security measures are tight at Wembley Stadium. Fans with floor tickets were not allowed to camp overnight in the hopes of getting a spot closer to the stage, and Swifties can no longer “Taylor-gate” outside of the stadium without tickets.

It’s official. Wembley Stadium has just opened the doors to allow VIP guests into the arena. The general admission sections will open in about thirty minutes. Thousands of Swifties are pouring in.

Amy Willow of Brighton, United Kingdom, rode up on the overnight train with her two best friends hoping to get in line for Thursday night’s Eras Tour show. The early morning wake up call landing her at Wembley Stadium at 4 a.m. was a good call. She ended up being first in line.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, there’s going to be like a queue of a hundred people,'” she says four hours before general admission doors open. “Crickets, literal crickets. There was no one here. It was amazing.”

The stadium that seats 89,000 fans told anyone without an Eras Tour ticket not to come. Additional ticket checks have been added around the stadium and fans will need to show proof of passes before entering the general vicinity.

Wembley Stadium also implemented stricter security measures including no overnight camping and no “Taylor-gating,” where devoted fans without tickets congregate outside of a stadium to listen to the live concert and engage in dancing and friendship bracelet trading. The stadium is not allowing anyone to stand outside any entrance or on the Olympic Steps at the front. Non-ticketholders will be “moved on.”

Taylor Swift’s return to the stage at Wembley marks an exciting moment for her fans, especially given the heightened security following the scare in Vienna. Despite the increased precautions, the enthusiasm among Swift’s followers remains undiminished. The anticipation for hours, sometimes days, just to be close to her performance, speaks volumes about her impact and the unwavering dedication of her fanbase.

Security around Wembley Stadium is unprecedented, with authorities wanting to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the final European leg of the tour. The enhanced security measures, while a necessity, haven’t dampened the spirits of concertgoers who have eagerly waited for this day. The visible excitement among the fans gathering here is infectious.

As the evening progresses, the atmosphere inside and outside Wembley Stadium is electric. From early morning arrivals to the final hours before the concert, the energy continues to build. Fans from all over the UK and beyond have convened to celebrate and enjoy Taylor Swift’s musical journey.

As Swift takes the stage later tonight, it will undoubtedly be a memorable conclusion to her European tour. The elaborate security checks, the prohibited “Taylor-gating,” and the ban on overnight camping highlight the importance of safety, even as the entertainment industry moves forward amid new global realities.  

The dedication shown by fans, like Amy Willow, portrays a unique bond between the artist and her audience, one that transcends obstacles and highlights their shared enthusiasm for the music and the experience that Taylor Swift delivers.

This event is more than just a concert; it’s a testament to the powerful connection and shared joy that such gatherings bring. Wembley’s meticulous preparations and the collective excitement set a fitting stage for an unforgettable night. Taylor Swift’s finale at Wembley is certainly a remarkable milestone in the ongoing success of the Eras Tour.

Source: USA TODAY Network, REUTERS