Anfield: Taylor Swift fans given ‘do not camp’ warning

Taylor Swift fans are being urged to stay vigilant and only travel if necessary as Liverpool prepares to host three sell-out shows of the Eras tour.

Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium will host up to 53,000 fans each night from 13 June as the award-winning singer performs her catalogue of hits.

Merseyside Police said it was using a variety of tactics to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Ch Supt Zoe Thornton, who is overseeing the Taylor Swift operation, said fans should “only travel when the concert is opening” and warned “do not camp”.

“We have got two elements for early entry for the pitch, so there will be staggered times so that should help resolve people queuing unnecessarily, our advice is to only come when the concert is opening.

“But knowing the stands and seeing the actual view of the stadium you are going to have a really good view of Taylor Swift.”

She said the force was prepared for any camping outside the stadium and in nearby Stanley Park, for Swifties who may try and get ahead of the queues.

“There has been limited camping on the European leg but it’s something we have to prepare ourselves for, Stanley Park has local byelaws in place and there is no camping permitted there.

“Do not think you can camp, and look to secure proper accommodation.”

Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Football Club, have been working on their security and transport plan for the Taylor Swift concerts over the past six months and are asking the public to be “vigilant and to trust their instincts”.

Police patrols will be increased around Anfield Stadium and in the city centre as well as at key train stations including Liverpool Lime Street, and Liverpool Central.

Some of these police patrols will include Project Servator deployments – officers specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent.

Road closures surrounding the stadium, including Walton Breck Road and Anfield Road, will be in place from midday on each of the three days – with drop off points accessible on Priory Road.

Ch Supt Thornton said queuing lanes would be in place outside the grounds and urged those who had seated tickets to “only come when the concert is opening”.

“There’s going to be a real strict regime of checking tickets before people get anywhere near the entry access points and I’m really happy that’s in place.

“We are delighted we have got Taylor Swift in the city for three nights, it’s huge, it’s the only non-capital city that she is going to on her tour, so it’s fantastic.”

Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour will take place in Liverpool on 13 June, 14 June and 15 June, with Paramore as the supporting act.