Taylor Swift fans in London express feeling secure due to extensive security presence
LONDON — Amy Willow from Brighton took the overnight train with her close friends, eager to secure a spot in line for Thursday night’s Eras Tour performance.
Arriving at Wembley Stadium at 4 a.m. was a wise decision, as she ended up being the first in line.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, there will probably be at least a hundred people here,'” she shares just four hours before doors open for general admission. “But it was completely quiet. There was no one around. It felt incredible.”
Due to enhanced regulations at Wembley Stadium for the series of five Eras Tour concerts, fans with floor tickets are no longer permitted to camp outside.
“I was considering selling my tickets,” Willow remarks, mentioning her anxiety over a terrorist incident that caused the cancellation of three shows in Vienna the previous week. “I wondered if I should go through with this—if it would feel tense, if everyone would be anxious, if it would be an enjoyable atmosphere. But there’s security everywhere. Even yesterday at 3 in the morning, there was security present. They were attentive, helpful, and really nice.”
Wembley Stadium has advised anyone without tickets to stay away from the events. Fans often gather outside to enjoy the concert atmosphere, a phenomenon known as “Taylor-gating.” A significant security presence, featuring workers in bright yellow vests, welcomed attendees on the arena steps.
According to London Metropolitan Police, “The Met collaborates closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure that effective security and policing measures are established.”
TikTok influencer Ty Wilson, who experienced the show cancellations in Vienna, is also feeling secure about the London performance.
“When we heard that all three Vienna shows were canceled, it initially sounded like a joke,” he states, “because it felt so unbelievable. But the way the community came together there was truly heartwarming. Now being here in London, there’s almost a similar positive energy in the air.”