Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Fulfilling their wildest dreams! Taylor Swift thrills crowd of 90,000 adoring fans at Wembley – which includes her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce, Nicola Coughlan and Cara Delevingne – as the London leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour kicks off

Must read

Taylor Swift has taken to the stage at Wembley Stadium in front of 90,000 adoring fans including her new NFL beau Travis Kelce and his family.

The pop princess has kicked off her London Eras Tour residency and those in the star-studded VIP tent include her boyfriend Travis, his brother American footballer Jason Kelce, supermodel Cara Delevingne as well as Bridgerton darling Nicola Coughlan.

As she started her three-hour long set, Taylor Swift said: ‘You’re making me feel like tonight I get to play my first sold out show at Wembley Stadium on The Eras Tour!’

She added: ‘There are 88,446 people in this stadium today.’ 

Including the leader of the Labour party Sir Keir Starmer and his wife. In a post on X he joked, ‘Swift’ campaign pit stop’, as the pair could be seen smiling in the stadium. 

Today is the first of three sold out dates at Wembley, with the international sensation returning in August to perform another five.

Screens show a live video of Swift so even fans in the furthest away seats can enjoy the show

The pop princess has kicked off her London Eras Tour residency

Today is the first of three sold out dates at Wembley, with the international sensation returning in August to perform another five

Today is the first of three sold out dates at Wembley, with the international sensation returning in August to perform another five

Swift wears a blue and gold sparkling bodysuit as she takes to the stage at Wembley

Swift wears a blue and gold sparkling bodysuit as she takes to the stage at Wembley

The singer wears a berry-red dress as she performs songs from recent albums Folklore and Evermore

The singer wears a berry-red dress as she performs songs from recent albums Folklore and Evermore

Taylor looked overwhelmed by the sheer number of fans at Wembley stadium

Taylor looked overwhelmed by the sheer number of fans at Wembley stadium

Sir Keir Starmer and his wife pictured at the Era's Tour in Wembley

Sir Keir Starmer and his wife pictured at the Era’s Tour in Wembley 

Starmer wrote on X: ''Swift' campaign pitstop'

Starmer wrote on X: ”Swift’ campaign pitstop’

Around 90,000 fans have packed out Wembley Stadium

Around 90,000 fans have packed out Wembley Stadium

The audience watch Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium

The audience watch Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium

Fans film Taylor as she takes to the stage in London

Fans film Taylor as she takes to the stage in London

Fans wearing cowboy hats sing along to Taylor

Fans wearing cowboy hats sing along to Taylor

The singer, 34, is performing at Wembley stadium as part of The Eras Tour

The singer, 34, is performing at Wembley stadium as part of The Eras Tour

Swift performs at Wembley Stadium

The singer is known for her black eyeliner and red lip

Swift, known for her black eyeliner and red lip, performs to fans in London tonight

Taylor Swift performs in blue and gold bodysuit with bedazzled cowboy boots

Taylor Swift performs in blue and gold bodysuit with bedazzled cowboy boots

Taylor changes outfits 16 times throughout her performance

Taylor changes outfits 16 times throughout her performance

Taylor Swift interacts with the crowd

A dresser helps her get changed into a black sparkling blazer as she performs hit song The Man

A dresser helps Taylor get changed into a black sparkling blazer as she performs hit song The Man

Swift performs her song The Man to around 90,000 fans at Wembley stadium

Swift performs her song The Man to around 90,000 fans at Wembley stadium

Swift performs with an entourage of 15 dancers and four backup singers

Swift performs with an entourage of 15 dancers and four backup singers

Travis Kelce arrives at Wembley Stadium to watch his girlfriend Taylor Swift perform to 90,000 adoring fans

Travis Kelce arrives at Wembley Stadium to watch his girlfriend Taylor Swift perform to 90,000 adoring fans

Jason Kelce shows off his friendship bracelets at Wembley

Jason Kelce shows off his friendship bracelets at Wembley 

Nicola Coughlan trades friendship bracelets with fellow Swifties from the VIP tent

Nicola Coughlan trades friendship bracelets with fellow Swifties from the VIP tent

Model Cara Delevinge (left) attends Swift's concert in the VIP box alongside Nicola Coughlan (right)

Model Cara Delevinge (left) attends Swift’s concert in the VIP box alongside Nicola Coughlan (right)

She had an outfit change to a black dress with silver and gold tassels and black sparkly boots

She had an outfit change to a black dress with silver and gold tassels and black sparkly boots 

Taylor with a blue guitar and sparkling boots at Wembley tonight

Taylor with a blue guitar and sparkling boots at Wembley tonight 

Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium tonight

Taylor Swift performs onstage during ‘Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour’ at Wembley Stadium tonight

Taylor’s adoring fans have been brimming with anticipation to know if she will perform any of her London-inspired hit songs.

Fans have predicted that the American megastar will choose a London-themed tune as her surprise song. 

Many were hoping for Swift’s more melancholy hits such as ‘So Long, London’ and ‘The Black Dog’ from her recent album The Tortured Poets Department.

The star sang Hits Different and Death by a Thousand Cuts – both of which have no reference to the English capital city.

But fans went wild when Taylor took to the piano and began singing her recent hit The Black Dog, as many predicted she would. 

‘The Black Dog’ is largely believed to be about 1975 singer, Matty Healy, who she reportedly has a brief two week relationship with following her break-up with Alwyn. 

The lyrics seemingly reference a Vauxhall pub, as well as band – The Starting Line – whose songs The 1975 have covered several times during their tour. 

Swift sings with a bedazzled guitar - embossed with the number 13

Swift sings with a bedazzled guitar – embossed with the number 13

Swift, 34, kisses her bicep at Wembley Stadium

Swift, 34, kisses her bicep at Wembley Stadium

The 34-year-old is known for hit songs such as Cruel Summer and Love Story

The 34-year-old is known for hit songs such as Cruel Summer and Love Story

Taylor waves her red cape at Wembley while performing her three-hour long set list

Taylor waves her red cape at Wembley while performing her three-hour long set list

Fans hold up flashlights on their phones as the singer performs

Fans hold up flashlights on their phones as the singer performs 

Wembley is awash with sparkling outfits, cowboy hats, gemstones and glitter today as thousands of Taylor Swift fans gathered for her opening night in London.

Swifties have travelled from across the country for the latest sell-out performance of her Eras Tour.

Teenage girls and boys are joined by mums, dads and younger siblings – and fans of all ages – ahead of the three-and-a-half hour gig, that has already blown the roofs off stadiums across Britain and Europe.

Devoted followers sang the lyrics of her many hits word-perfect that were blasted out at the Taylor Swift fan zone at the BoxPark Wembley on the Olympic Walk up to the stadium entrance.

Fans exchanged bracelets and discussed their favourite tunes ahead of the big event. Others joined long queues to buy official merchandise – t-shirts, sweat-shirts, hats and bags.

Among them were sisters Amna, 14, and Zainab Butt, 20, from west London.

Amna told how would not have missed this concert for anything in the world.

She said: ‘It’s Taylor Swift it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.’

Zainab, a student, added: ‘This is going to be the best night of my life.’

Amelie Jones, 28, Lucy Goodwin, 28 and Caroline parish, 28 from Sussex.

Explaining what this concert meant to her Amelie said: ‘Taylor Swift has a ding her every occasion.

Lucy added: ‘I have grown up with Taylor Swift. She has been there with me through all the heartbreaks.’

Swift, 34, performs songs from her album Red in a glittering ombre bodysuit

Swift, 34, performs songs from her album Red in a glittering ombre bodysuit

The singer wears a shirt that said: 'Who's Taylor Swift anyway? Ew'

The singer wears a shirt that said: ‘Who’s Taylor Swift anyway? Ew’

Taylor talks to a young fan before giving her the famous 22 hat during the concert

Taylor talks to a young fan before giving her the famous 22 hat during the concert

Taylor gives her hat to a fan

Taylor gives her hat to a fan 

The fan looks delighted to receive the gift from the mega-star

The fan looks delighted to receive the gift from the mega-star

The fan and Taylor hug each other after she gives her a gift of her hat

The fan and Taylor hug each other after she gives her a gift of her hat

Taylor kicks off her long setlist with songs from her Lover era

Taylor kicks off her long setlist with songs from her Lover era

The singer then features hits from her early album entitled Fearless

The singer then features hits from her early album entitled Fearless

Around 90,000 Swifties have swarmed to Wembley Stadium to watch the pop icon as part of her Eras Tour

Around 90,000 Swifties have swarmed to Wembley Stadium to watch the pop icon as part of her Eras Tour

As she started her three-hour long set, Taylor Swift said: 'You're making me feel like tonight I get to play my first sold out show at Wembley Stadium on The Eras Tour!'

As she started her three-hour long set, Taylor Swift said: ‘You’re making me feel like tonight I get to play my first sold out show at Wembley Stadium on The Eras Tour!’

She added: 'There are 88.446 people in this stadium today.'

She added: ‘There are 88.446 people in this stadium today.’

Thousands of Swifties have begun to descend in their droves ahead of the pop princess’ first London Eras concert 

One fan was spotted wearing a disco ball hat and silver shirt ahead of the concert - a nod to Swift's song Mirrorball

One fan was spotted wearing a disco ball hat and silver shirt ahead of the concert – a nod to Swift’s song Mirrorball

Fans pose outside Wembley Stadium before the first London concert of the Eras Tour

Fans pose outside Wembley Stadium before the first London concert of the Eras Tour

Cowboy hats and boots seem to be a staple for the American singer's concert

Cowboy hats and boots seem to be a staple for the American singer’s concert

Fans hold an 'I love Taylor' banner ahead of the concert. The men of the group wear Travis Kelce's 87 jersey

Fans hold an ‘I love Taylor’ banner ahead of the concert. The men of the group wear Travis Kelce’s 87 jersey 

Fans dress up in outfits corresponding to Swift's 'eras' or albums including Reputation, Lover and Folklore

Fans dress up in outfits corresponding to Swift’s ‘eras’ or albums including Reputation, Lover and Folklore

Other fans wear pink feather boas as they make their way to the stadium

Other fans wear pink feather boas as they make their way to the stadium

One fan wears a ruffled purple dress to watch Taylor Swift

One fan wears a ruffled purple dress to watch Taylor Swift

A trio of friends arrive at Wembley ahead of the Taylor Swift concert

A trio of friends arrive at Wembley ahead of the Taylor Swift concert

Families and university friends got together to watch Taylor Swift’s first London performance.

Mum Jackie brought her 18-year-old daughter Eva and three friends from Bath to attend the concert.

She said: ‘We won the battle to get Taylor Swift tickets and now we’re here!’

Dad Ed, 51, from Blackheath put on his best party shirt to accompany his wife Tina and their 11-year-old daughter Odette to the show.

Birmingham university Poppy, 27, Hannah, 26, Rachel, 26 and Joanna, 26 used the occasion to get back together – and to wear matching Taylor Swift t-shirts.

Rachel explained: ‘We all love Taylor Swift and we just can’t wait for the show.’

Nottingham university friends Harriet, 26, Heidi, 26, Nicole, 26 and Jade, 26 said they had met up especially for the concert.

Harriet said: ‘it’s going to be a fantastic night, a fantastic performance.’

A fan recreates the ringmaster outfit Swift wore at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards. She also has friendship bracelets tied to her waist to hand out at the concert

A fan recreates the ringmaster outfit Swift wore at the 2012 MTV Europe Music Awards. She also has friendship bracelets tied to her waist to hand out at the concert

Stairs near Wembley have been decorated with the singer's face

Stairs near Wembley have been decorated with the singer’s face

One fan wears a golden dress and poses with her hand in a heart shape ahead of the concert

One fan wears a golden dress and poses with her hand in a heart shape ahead of the concert

A fan carries a Kermit toy wearing a shirt with the words 'Kermit is my boyfriend', a play on Swift's lyrics 'Karma is my boyfriend'

A fan carries a Kermit toy wearing a shirt with the words ‘Kermit is my boyfriend’, a play on Swift’s lyrics ‘Karma is my boyfriend’

Friends wear all-white to the Taylor Swift concert

They also wear veils with the pop singer's lyrics on them

Three friends dressed in all-white wear veils with Swift’s lyrics on them

German tourists Camille, 29, Julia, 28, Malena, 27 and Lena 27 had flown over especially from Bremen for the show.

Camille explained: ‘we came to see the Queen of music.’

Teenagers Evie Mulcahi, 18, Jess Dobson 19 Frankie Epsom, 19, and Katie Mayling had come from Derby to take part in this highly anticipated event.

Evie said: ‘Taylor Swift is simply the best. She gets all different people together to have a good time. And she’s so cool.’

Becky Colton, 28 and Alice Parkinson, 28 had come from Nottingham for the show.

Becky explained: Taylor Swift is an icon. This is history.’

Best friends Charlotte Harris, 29 and Sophie Wayman, 31 from Essex explained how they had dreamed to seeing Taylor Swift together.

Charlotte said: ‘We’ve been friends all our lives and we always dreamed of going to see a Taylor Swift concert together.’

It has become a tradition for Swifties to trade friendship bracelets at the Eras Tour as a nod to a lyric from the nostalgic anthem You’re On Your Own Kid.

Taylor sings: ‘So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it.’ 

A collection of friendship bracelets made by Swifties in preparation for the concert

A collection of friendship bracelets made by Swifties in preparation for the concert

A fan hands out friendship bracelets

The colour of the beads represent Taylor's eras - and lettered beads spell out lyrics from her songs

A fan hands out friendship bracelets at the Taylor Swift concert at Wembley

Fans exchange friendship bracelets ahead of the performance

Fans exchange friendship bracelets ahead of the performance

Fans have hand decorated white shirts with odes to their pop icon Taylor Swift

Fans have hand decorated white shirts with odes to their pop icon Taylor Swift

A fan wears a version of Swift's bedazzled Lover bodysuit while her friend snaps pictures

A fan wears a version of Swift’s bedazzled Lover bodysuit while her friend snaps pictures

A fan wears a pink silk pyjama set with feathers

Lyrics on the back of the nightwear read: 'Better known for the things that I do on the mattress' - a reference to the Swift song Better Than Revenge

A fan wears a pink silk pyjama set with feathers 

A pair of fans wear crowns and a sash that reads 'Heartbreak Prince' referring to Swift's song 'Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince' from her 2019 album Lover

A pair of fans wear crowns and a sash that reads ‘Heartbreak Prince’ referring to Swift’s song ‘Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince’ from her 2019 album Lover

A father shows his support for his Taylor-obsessed daughter by wearing a 'Swiftie Dad' t-shirt

A father shows his support for his Taylor-obsessed daughter by wearing a ‘Swiftie Dad’ t-shirt

One fan carries a sign that reads '16 years of eras with you' next to a picture of her as a youngster with Taylor Swift

One fan carries a sign that reads ’16 years of eras with you’ next to a picture of her as a youngster with Taylor Swift

Two girls hug as they approach Wembley Stadium ahead of the Taylor Swift concert

Two girls hug as they approach Wembley Stadium ahead of the Taylor Swift concert

A fan gets glittered in preparation for The Eras Tour

A fan gets glittered in preparation for The Eras Tour

A group of friends pose outside Wembley Stadium - with two dressed in black to reflect Swift's iconic Reputation era

A group of friends pose outside Wembley Stadium – with two dressed in black to reflect Swift’s iconic Reputation era

A fan waves her ticket in the air as she struts towards the venue

A fan waves her ticket in the air as she struts towards the venue 

Two Swifties spin around outside Wembley hours before Swift takes to the stage

Two Swifties spin around outside Wembley hours before Swift takes to the stage

Many fans arrived as early as Tuesday in preparation for today’s concert, lying under blankets and camping out in tents for several days. 

More of the 90,000 strong crowd made their way to the arena today, with those who forked out for VIP packages getting to head into Wembley at 8am.

Others travelled from across the globe to just watch Swift deliver her blockbuster three-hour set in London tonight.

Among those venturing across countries to see Taylor are long-distance friends Filip and Bailey, who made separate journeys all the way from Croatia and Florida respectively.

Speaking about why they had come to London, Bailey: ‘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 travelled from Ipswich in Suffolk to catch a glimpse of Taylor taking to the stage.

Swiftmania has truly gripped Wembley as fans eagerly prepare to see their idol in person

Swiftmania has truly gripped Wembley as fans eagerly prepare to see their idol in person 

Three Swifties all smiles as they head to Wembley stadium

Three Swifties all smiles as they head to Wembley stadium

Fans gathering outside Wembley today donning Taylor Swift inspired clothing

Fans gathering outside Wembley today donning Taylor Swift inspired clothing

Many were all smiles as they headed in to see the American singer-songwriter

Many were all smiles as they headed in to see the American singer-songwriter

Inspired by Taylor's Lover era, two fans rocked up to Wembley with pink cowboy hats and sparkling tops

Inspired by Taylor’s Lover era, two fans rocked up to Wembley with pink cowboy hats and sparkling tops

Fans queuing outside Wembley Stadium in London, ahead of Taylor Swift's first London concert

Fans queuing outside Wembley Stadium in London, ahead of Taylor Swift’s first London concert

Fans make friendship bracelets as they wait to enter Wembley Stadium

Fans make friendship bracelets as they wait to enter Wembley Stadium

A fan waiting outside the Eras Tour today with their own custom t-shirt for the show

A fan waiting outside the Eras Tour today with their own custom t-shirt for the show

Three girls wear personalised pink heart sunglasses that read 'The Eras Tour - London N1'

Three girls wear personalised pink heart sunglasses that read ‘The Eras Tour – London N1’

One American Swiftie uses a white cowboy hat to show off how far she has come for the concert

One American Swiftie uses a white cowboy hat to show off how far she has come for the concert

Rachel said: ‘We’re so excited to be here, I’m hoping to hear the original songs from the first album.’

Alongside wanting to hear tracks from Swift’s 2006 self-titled debut, the pair said they were particularly looking forward to hearing hits from her second 2008 album Fearless.

Megan, 26, who hails from Birmingham said it was ‘amazing’ as she prepared to see the star.

She told the Evening Standard: ‘It’s amazing to be here. Taylor is such a great example of female empowerment. I love country music and that’s how I got into her.

‘I’m just so excited to be here. It was like a war to get tickets online but now I’m here it’s all worth it.’ 

Luna Musch, who travelled from the Netherlands added: ‘I can’t believe I’m here – I love her and her music. She is so positive. Her talent is just incredible.’

The doors at Wembley officially opened at 4.30pm, with Mette and Paramore taking to the stage from 5.45pm before Taylor at 7.30pm. 

Fans dotted throughout the UK have been waiting over a year for Taylor to arrive on British shores after she began her record-breaking tour in Glendale, Arizona in March 2023. 

Singer Mette takes to the stage ahead of Taylor Swift

Singer Mette takes to the stage ahead of Taylor Swift

The Mama's Eyes singer wore sparkling shorts

The American showed off her dance moves on stage

The Mama’s Eyes singer wore sparkling shorts and showed off her dance moves on stage

Fans have travelled far and wide to see the international sensation with some travelling from as far as America

Fans have travelled far and wide to see the international sensation with some travelling from as far as America

Four fans proudly wearing 'I love Taylor' t-shirts make their way to the concert

Four fans proudly wearing ‘I love Taylor’ t-shirts make their way to the concert

A group of girls patiently sitting as they wait for Wembley Stadium doors to open today

A group of girls patiently sitting as they wait for Wembley Stadium doors to open today

One young lady seemingly making a nod to Taylor's NFL beau Travis Kelce - wearing his Kansas City Cheifs jersey (left)

One young lady seemingly making a nod to Taylor’s NFL beau Travis Kelce – wearing his Kansas City Cheifs jersey (left)

Others were screaming with excitement as more people gathered outside the venue

Others were screaming with excitement as more people gathered outside the venue

A fan of Taylor Swift poses in front of a painting on the steps near Wembley Stadium

A fan of Taylor Swift poses in front of a painting on the steps near Wembley Stadium

Another Swiftie poses in front of a Taylor Swift mural at Wembley Park

Another Swiftie poses in front of a Taylor Swift mural at Wembley Park

Swifties take a selfie outside the stadium while wearing pink cowboy hats

Swifties take a selfie outside the stadium while wearing pink cowboy hats

A trio of Swifties head to the concert in their sparkling outfits

A trio of Swifties head to the concert in their sparkling outfits

One Young Swiftie and her mother wait for the concert to begin in their Taylor Swift themed outfits

One Young Swiftie and her mother wait for the concert to begin in their Taylor Swift themed outfits

Since she has ventured across South America, US and Asia, whilst also performing in several cities across Europe, with her NFL boyfriend Travis Kelce supporting from the crowd. 

This month alone, she has already sang to packed out crowds in Edinburgh, Liverpool and Cardiff.

However, the superstar’s 100th show of her record-breaking Eras Tour last Thursday at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool didn’t quite go off without a hitch.

The international pop sensation hailed the commitment to the countless fans who braved the rain to catch a glimpse of her landmark show.

And while the 53,000 crowd packed into Anfield stadium to cheer along to her greatest hits for three hours – not everyone left completely satisfied.

Certain VIP ticketholders were left briefly disgruntled after paying to sit behind a white tent – largely blocking the view of their beloved idol.

And poor VIP seat placements weren’t the only mishap of the night as eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot the huge screen showcasing Taylor’s performance had momentarily switched off.

A fan wears Travis Kelce's jersey complete with a helmet

A fan wears Travis Kelce’s jersey complete with a helmet

Two Swifties proudly holding up their lengthy Eras Tour banner

Two Swifties proudly holding up their lengthy Eras Tour banner

Others have gone to the arduous task of making several friendship bracelets - a distinctive tradition within Taylor's fanbase

Others have gone to the arduous task of making several friendship bracelets – a distinctive tradition within Taylor’s fanbase

Two fans showing off their array of friendship bracelets

Two fans showing off their array of friendship bracelets

One fan held up a QR quote in a plea for help with her dissertation about Taylor Swift

One fan held up a QR quote in a plea for help with her dissertation about Taylor Swift

Some concertgoers were all sparkles as they headed into Wembley today

Some concertgoers were all sparkles as they headed into Wembley today

Although they are slightly more casual, these three concertgoers were still brimming with excitment

Although they are slightly more casual, these three concertgoers were still brimming with excitment 

Two women wearing sparkly red outfits inspired by Taylor's famed Red album

Two women wearing sparkly red outfits inspired by Taylor’s famed Red album

One Swiftie in a sparkly pink blazer dress

One Swiftie in a sparkly pink blazer dress

Two friends in Taylor inspired outfits from her Red and Folklore eras

Two friends in Taylor inspired outfits from her Red and Folklore eras

A cheery group of four on their way to sing with Taylor for three hours

A cheery group of four on their way to sing with Taylor for three hours

A scarf reads 'London Loves Taylor'

A scarf reads ‘London Loves Taylor’

However, London is still overcome with Swiftmania, as a military band performed Shake It Off in celebration of the popstar's arrival to the city

However, London is still overcome with Swiftmania, as a military band performed Shake It Off in celebration of the popstar’s arrival to the city

However, London is still overcome with Swiftmania, as a military band at Buckingham Palace performed a rendition her smash-hit Shake It Off today.

In celebration of Taylor’s arrival to London, a video titled Changing of the Guard (Taylor’s Version), was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Royal family’s official account.

The band stood on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace blasting  trumpets, saxophones and other wind instruments, as the caption read: ‘Can’t stop, won’t stop groovin’.’

Taylor-fever has already gripped the bustling, with a host of special events taking over London, such as a Taylor trail, a special Tube map and even two new Swift-themed artworks on display at Wembley Park.

Latest article