Influencer Editorial Team
Thousands of Taylor Swift fans declared her opening Wembley show “the best ever” as the megastar took over London. The American pop star played the first of three sold-out nights in the capital, with boyfriend Travis Kelce among the 90,000-strong crowd on Friday.
Swift, 34, will wrap up her current run on Sunday night before returning in August for five more concerts. The frenzy began as Swifties started converging at the venue since Tuesday, with some fans sleeping in tents or huddling in blankets overnight to be part of the atmosphere for her record-breaking Eras Tour.
Fans traveled from all over the world, many dressing up in outfits inspired by her music videos. NFL star Travis Kelce was spotted at Wembley Stadium supporting his girlfriend, Taylor. He was joined by his brother Jason Kelce, who recently retired from the Philadelphia Eagles and was seen exchanging friendship bracelets with fans. Jason proudly showed off his arm full of bracelets to his wife Kylie Kelce, in a video circulating online.
Other celebrities at the performance included Bridgerton and Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan and British model Cara Delevingne. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, were also in attendance.
The excitement extended beyond Wembley as eleven London Underground lines were temporarily renamed after Swift’s 11 studio albums. Additionally, the military band at Buckingham Palace performed a rendition of Swift’s hit “Shake It Off” on Friday. In a video on X (formerly Twitter), titled “Changing of the Guard (Taylor’s Version),” the Royal Family’s official account celebrated the singer’s arrival in the city, captioned: “Can’t stop, won’t stop groovin’.”
A report this week predicted that Swift’s London concerts will boost the capital’s economy by £300 million. Approximately 640,000 fans attending the eight Wembley shows are estimated to spend an average of £471 each, according to the Greater London Authority.
Lilly Gagata, 31, and her sister Shannie, 33, traveled two hours from the Midlands and arrived at the London stadium at 10 am, despite not having a ticket for Friday’s performance. They wanted to be part of the experience when Swift kicked off her run of gigs and to ensure they didn’t miss out on any merchandise, which might sell out by the time they attend the show in August.
Long-distance friends Filip, from Croatia, and Bailey, from Florida, also made the trip to London. Bailey said, “I can’t wait to see Taylor, this is like the best show to go to.” Filip added, “It feels special, dazzling and magic here.”
Meanwhile, friends Rachel and Yan traveled from Ipswich in Suffolk to see the show. Rachel expressed their excitement, saying, “We’re so excited to be here, I’m hoping to hear the OG (original) songs from the first album.” They were particularly looking forward to hits from Swift’s 2008 album “Fearless.”
The doors opened at 4:30 pm, with the support act Paramore taking the stage at 5:45 pm. Swift began her set at 7:30 pm, thrilling the audience with her performance.
