by Laaibah Amjad
Taylor Swift is set to light up London again with her highly anticipated August shows, part of her blockbuster Eras Tour. Swifties around the world have been buzzing with excitement, eagerly anticipating the magic Taylor will bring to the stage.
If you’re feeling anxious about not knowing what to expect, worry not, as someone who attended the London Night 2 show, I will guide you on what to expect. Regardless of if you're seated or standing, you will have the best time.
Stadium access time:
Early Entry Package (VIP): 3:45pm
GA & Hospitality: 4:15pm
Show Start: 5:10pm
Openers:
In July, Taylor Swift announced openers for her London July shows; Mette for night 1, Griff for night 2, and Benson Boone for night 3, who all performed before Paramore . Although not yet announced, we can hope that she will announce openers for her August London shows.
Merchandise:
The merchandise megastore is located in Green Car Park. This is the only space open on both non-show days and show days.
Although there are other merchandise stalls around the stadium, I recommend going to the megastore as it’s bigger which means that more people can go in and purchase, but also there is more stock so there is a higher chance that your size of the merchandise you want would be available.
The megastore also allow you to try the merchandise on for size reference if you’re wearing little to no makeup, so if you’re in the area the day before or after your show, it will be the perfect opportunity to purchase merchandise without the stress of queuing to get your spot inside the stadium (if you're seated).
Friendship Bracelets:
As Taylor Swift once said “make the friendship bracelets.”
So, Swifties around the world are hand-making friendship bracelets to trade with fellow Swifties. If you have the resources and time, creating and trading these bracelets can enhance your entire concert experience and provide the perfect sentimental souvenir.
Don’t be shy at all to ask people at the concert if they want to trade friendship bracelets, they will always say yes. If you feel too nervous to ask, have your own bracelets on your wrist or somewhere that is clearly on display that way the more extroverted Swifties will come up and ask you.
Crowd Chants:
During Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, fans have created a variety of chants that have become an integral part of the concert experience. These chants, often timed with specific songs or moments in the performance, add to the communal and energetic atmosphere of the shows. Here are some notable chants:
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together:
During the song, fans chant along with the iconic spoken word part: "So he calls me up and he's like, 'I still love you,' and I'm like, 'I just, I mean this is exhausting, you know, like, we are never getting back together. Like, ever.'" In every show that Taylor has done, his dancer, Kam, would change “like ever” to a slang/language that suited to each city she was performing at.
Bad Blood: After Taylor sings, “If you live like that, you live with ghosts”, the crowd screams Kendrick Lamar’s part, “You forgive, you forget, but you never let it go.”
Delicate: During the line "But you can make me a drink”, the fan shouts, “1, 2, 3, let's go, bitch!"
Marjorie: This one isn’t a chant, but during this song, the whole crowd turn their phone flashlight
on as a beautiful way to honour Taylor’s grandma.
Taylor Swift's August shows in London are poised to be the highlight of the summer concert season. With a blend of nostalgic hits, stunning visuals, high-energy performances, and the emotional depth fans have come to love, these concerts will be a testament to her enduring appeal and unmatched talent. Prepare to be dazzled, moved, and inspired as Taylor Swift takes you on a journey through her musical eras.