London is braced for the return of tens of thousands of Taylor Swift fans as the US artist prepares for her final European concerts after her previous dates in Vienna were cancelled over an alleged terror plot.
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The Shake It Off singer will perform her Eras tour over five nights from tomorrow at London’s biggest concert venue, protected by a ring of steel following several weeks of turmoil for Swift fans.
Earlier this month a 17-year-old boy is alleged to have attacked dozens of young children at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport, killing three children aged six, seven and nine.
Then last week, three of the singer’s shows in Vienna were cancelled over an alleged terror plot involving a stabbing spree and suicide bomb against fans outside the stadium.
Police in London are taking no chances, with tight security, additional ticket checks and a ban on loitering outside the concert venue.
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London is braced for the return of tens of thousands of Taylor Swift fans to Wembley for the last leg of the singer’s European tour
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The Shake It Off singer will perform her Eras tour over five nights from tomorrow at London’s biggest concert venue
Taylor Swift’s series of concerts at Wembley will have ‘additional ticket checks’, organisers have said.
The sold-out performances will see stewards checking in and around the area to make sure that only those with tickets attend.
Any non-ticket holders will be moved on, putting an end to so-called ‘Taygating’ -where fans of the singer would gather outside concert venues to listen even without a ticket.
Concert organisers in Austria said they had expected up to 65,000 fans inside the stadium at each concert and as many as 30,000 onlookers outside, where authorities said the suspects planned to strike.
It has been reported that Swift intends to use private counterterrorism security forces to protect her fans – as the local Met remains on high alert over far-right riots, triggered by the Southport stabbings.
Private security would especially be on the lookout for anything suspicious amongst those gathering or arriving outside the stadium, it is thought.
And staffers at the arena have said Wembley is in the process of beefing up its security measures for the concerts.
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The sold-out performances will see stewards checking in and around the area to make sure that only those with tickets attend
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Staffers at the arena have said Wembley is in the process of beefing up its security measures for the concerts
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Officials say Taygating – fans amassing outside the stadium without tickets to listen to the concert – will not be tolerated
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A ring of steel of police officers and private security is expected in London for the next few days
It’s thought that there will be added security measures including walk-through metal detectors for the up to 90,000 fans expected at each night.
Scotland Yard will also be constantly monitoring intelligence for any hint of a threat to the shows, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said last week.
Wembley Stadium has put an guide online for fans attending the dates in London on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday, the last gigs on the European leg of The Eras Tour.
It says: ‘Standing guests – please refer to the colour zone on your ticket to get you to the correct queuing ramp. Seated guests – please refer to the colour zone on your ticket to get you to the correct turnstile.
‘The quickest route to your entry point is by following the signage for the colour zone.
‘Note: Additional ticket checks will be in operation at points in and around the stadium prior to entry. Please have your tickets ready to show stewards when asked.’
A merchandise megastore is located in the green car park and can be accessed on the five concert days, and on Wednesday and Sunday, when Swift is not performing.
Wembley Stadium says: ‘Overnight camping is not allowed.
‘Wembley Stadium is situated in a residential area. We kindly ask that only those with tickets or those visiting our merchandise megastore turn up to the stadium to avoid disruption to the local residents and businesses.
‘To support with the safe entry and exit of everyone within the stadium, no-one is allowed to stand outside any entrance or on the Olympic Steps at the front of the stadium. Non ticket holders will be moved on.’
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Wembley Stadium has put an guide online for fans attending the dates in London on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday
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Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna had to be cancelled over a terrorism plot last week
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Police cars outside Ernst-Happel-Stadion, where Swift was due to perform in Austria on August 8
There are also guidelines for having only an A4-sized bag; not having face coverings for non-religious or medical reasons; no chains, chain wallets, studded jewellery or spurs; and no hard plastic as well as not bringing metal carabiners for friendship bracelets.
A plastic water bottle – no larger than 500ml in capacity – can be taken into the grounds, Wembley said.
Referencing Swift songs, the venue also said: ‘Make sure you plan your visit to Wembley Stadium well in advance and give yourself plenty of opportunity to Breathe.
‘Check the weather before you go and dress accordingly. We could be in for a Cruel Summer.
‘Leave plenty of time for your journey and plan ahead. The same for your return journey home.
‘Read all the information provided and take note of what you can and can’t do. Don’t Shake It Off as not important.
‘You’re definitely not On Your Own Kid. Large crowds are expected to attend each performance. Be aware of your surroundings and respectful to others.’
Last week, events organiser Barracuda Music said ‘we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety’ as there had been ‘confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium’.
A 19-year-old planned to target fans with knives or home-made explosives during the concert on Thursday or Friday, Austrian authorities said.
There was a further two people arrested, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old over the incident.
Chemical substances, liquids and technical capabilities were found at the home of the 19-year-old, authorities said.
They confirmed ithey did not ask organisers to cancel the concerts.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan previously told Sky News that he is ‘sure Vienna has got its own reasons’ for the cancellation but the capital was ‘going to carry on, working closely with police (and) ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely’.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police previously said: ‘London plays host to a significant number of very high-profile events each year with millions of visitors having a safe and enjoyable experience.
‘The Met works closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place.
‘There is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London.
‘As always, we will continue to keep any new information under careful review.’