Friday, November 22, 2024

Edinburgh gets ready for Taylor Swift with planned road closures

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Taylor Swift will be playing three nights in Edinburgh

Thousands of fans across Scotland will descend on Edinburgh’s Murrayfield stadium later this week to see Taylor Swift.

Performing three sold out shows on 7, 8, and 9 June, the singer will undoubtedly bring in the crowds.

With many people expected to travel via car, City of Edinburgh Council has announced a number of road closures in preparation for the event.

The area around Scottish Gas Murrayfield will be particularly busy, so restrictions will be in place to ensure residents and concertgoers alike are safe.

Getty Images Taylor SwiftGetty Images

An estimated 220,000 fans will attend the concerts over the three days, according to the council. This will be a new record for attendees at a Scottish stadium.

Last year, Harry Styles broke the record for Scotland’s biggest-selling stadium show when more than 65,000 fans watched the star perform his Love On Tour show at Murrayfield.

In March, the city’s licensing board approved a request from Scottish Rugby to increase capacity at the venue from 67,130 to 72,990 for all three Taylor Swift dates.

Which roads will be closed?

These roads will be closed on 7, 8 and 9 June from midday until 00:30 the following morning:

  • Roseburn Bridge
  • Roseburn Street

They may reopen temporarily between 20:00 and 21:30 if it is safe to do so when the main act is live.

On the same days, the following roads will also be closed from midday. They will reopen for two hours from 19:30 but will close again from 21:30 until 00:30.

  • Baird Avenue
  • Baird Drive
  • Baird Gardens
  • Baird Grove
  • Baird Terrace
  • Devon Place
  • Riversdale Grove
  • Riversdale Road
  • Riverside Cresent
  • Saughtonhall Avenue
  • Saughtonhall Circus
  • Saughtonhall Gardens
  • Saughtonhall Grove
  • Saughtonhall Place
  • Saughtonhall Terrace
  • Stanhope Street
  • Wester Coates Road
  • Wester Coates Terrace

Balbirnie Place will also be closed in part, from number 50 to the entrance to Roseburn Path from 21:30 through to 00:30 the following morning.

There is also the possibility of some temporary closures of other roads for short periods of time if needed for crowds to get in and out of the stadium safely.

These are listed on the council website.

getty images Murrayfield stadiumgetty images

The stadium has a seating capacity of 67,144, but increased to 72,990 for all three Taylor Swift dates

The council has issued advice for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be “tidied up” after all three shows, with extra litter collectors at Roseburn Park from 16:00 to 01:00 daily.

The council has advised people only to travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if they have a ticket for one of the three shows.

There will be a number of council marshalls on hand to assist fans navigate the area.

getty images Taylor Swiftgetty images

Police Scotland has said a “proportionate and comprehensive policing plan” is in place ahead of the concerts.

City of Edinburgh councillor Val Walker said visitors should be “considerate and respectful” of residents in the surrounding area.

Neil Christison, Visit Scotland’s regional director, said: “Taylor Swift is a phenomenon, and her shows have created a real buzz in the city.

“With many fans travelling from other parts of Scotland and beyond, these events support the local and wider visitor economy, from accommodation and hospitality to visitor attractions and retail.”

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