Thousands of Swifties have begun to descend in their droves ahead of the pop princess’ first London Eras concert.
Excitement among Taylor Swift fans is palpable as many camped outside the stadium in the hopes of being right next to the stage to see their idol.
Today is the first of three sold out dates at Wembley, with the international sensation returning in August to perform another five.
Her adoring fans are also brimming with anticipation to know if she will perform any of her London-inspired hit songs.
Among a few is London Boy from her 2019 album Lover, which is speculated to be about her ex-boyfriend of six years and British actor Joe Alwyn.
Thousands of Swifties have begun to descend in their droves ahead of the pop princess’ first London Eras concert
Swiftmania has truly gripped Wembley as fans eagerly prepare to see their idol in person
However the topic of the songs, it may be more probable that she sings her more melancholy hits such as ‘So Long, London’ and ‘The Black Dog’ from her recent album The Tortured Poets Department.
‘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.
‘So Long, London’ is widely rumoured to be a goodbye song to the city as well as her ex-partner Alwyn.
During the woeful track, she sings: ‘I left all I knew, you left me at the house by the Heath.
‘I stopped CPR, after all it’s no use. The spirit was gone, we would never come to. And I’m p****d off you let me give you all that youth for free.’
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.
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, they pair said they were particularly looking forward to hearing hits from her second 2008 album Fearless.
Fans gathering outside Wembley today donning Taylor Swift inspired clothing
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
Fans queuing outside Wembley Stadium in London, ahead of Taylor Swift’s first London concert
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 Paramore taking to the stage at 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
