Wembley prepares for the arrival of Taylor Swift: Fans will be banned from 'Tay-gating' during Eras Tour dates as London venue deploys 'ring of steel' after Vienna gigs terror plot.

Editor Stephen Hill 144th August 2024

London iconic Wembley arena  is preparing for the return of tens of thousands of Taylor Swift fans as the American artist gears up for her final European concerts. Previous dates in Vienna were canceled due to an alleged terror plot. 

The Eras tour will take place over five nights at London's largest concert venue, which will be heavily secured following a period of upheaval for Swift fans.  

Earlier this month, a 17-year-old boy reportedly attacked numerous young children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, resulting in the tragic deaths of three children aged six, seven, and nine. 

Last week, three of the singer's shows in Vienna were canceled due to an alleged terror plot, involving a stabbing spree and a suicide bomb targeting fans outside the stadium.  Police in London are implementing stringent security measures, including additional ticket checks and a prohibition on loitering outside the concert venue.  

For her Wembley concerts, Taylor Swift's series of performances will have additional ticket checks. Stewards will ensure that only ticket holders gain access, putting an end to informal gatherings, also known as 'Taygating,' where fans would congregate outside concert venues even without a ticket.  Concert organizers in Austria anticipated up to 65,000 fans inside the stadium at each event and roughly 30,000 onlookers outside, where the alleged suspects planned to carry out the attack.  

Swift reportedly intends to employ private counterterrorism security forces to protect her fans, particularly in light of the local Met's heightened state of alert due to far-right riots following the Southport stabbings. 

Private security will be vigilant for any suspicious activity among those gathering outside the stadium.  Wembley Stadium is enhancing its security measures for the concerts, including the use of walk-through metal detectors for the anticipated 90,000 fans each night.  

Scotland Yard will continuously monitor intelligence for any potential threats to the shows, as stated by policing minister Dame Diana Johnson last week.  Wembley Stadium has provided a guide for fans attending the London dates, advising standing guests to refer to the color zone on their tickets to access the correct queuing ramp, and seated guests to follow the signage for their specific color zone.  

A merchandise megastore in the green car park will be accessible on the concert days and on non-concert days. Overnight camping is prohibited to avoid disruption to local residents and businesses, and non-ticket holders will not be allowed to congregate outside the stadium. The stadium has also set guidelines on bag size, face coverings, jewelry, and prohibited items such as hard plastic and metal carabiners. 

 Attendees are allowed to bring a plastic water bottle with a capacity not exceeding 500ml into the stadium. Wembley also recommends planning the visit well in advance, considering the weather, allowing plenty of time for the journey, and being mindful of the large expected crowds during each performance.