The Eras Tour is coming to London this summer – make the most of it with these Taylor Swift-themed events
Whether you’re a fan or not, videos of Taylor Swift have probably dominated your newsfeeds since last year as the pop superstar kicked off her latest tour with a record-smashing leg across the US. You were no doubt flooded by streams of Swifties dressed to the nines in handmade costumes, handing out beaded friendship bracelets (inspired by her song ‘You’re on Your Own, Kid’ from the Midnights album) and profusely crying. Even if you missed that wave, you’d have at least seen the video of a fan listening from outside of Sydney’s Accor Stadium who started sobbing when she heard the first chords of ‘Exile’ about 100 times.
Now, after round one of the Eras Tour in London, which saw Taylor play Wembley Stadium for three nights in June, the capital is gearing up for the next batch – FIVE shows in August. The city had a taste of Taylor Mania in April as the release of her new album The Tortured Poets Department led to Vauxhall pub The Black Dog becoming overloaded with dedicated followers of the singer (ICYMI: The Black Dog was mentioned in a song of the same name, which hinted that the spot was frequented by Taylor’s ex Joe Alwyn). The pub has now launched a merch line off the back of the whole situation – why not, right?
It sounds like more of that kinda thing is on the way as venues across London are launching Taylor Swift-themed events in the run-up to the concerts, so we’ve rounded up the best of the lot below. There are guided tours, workshops, photo exhibitions – restaurants are getting involved – people are even doing themed pottery making. It’s becoming clearer by the day that this summer, London belongs to the Swifties. And, if you’re not quite on board yet, we’ll leave you with this: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. You might even get a decent brunch out of it.
Taylor on Strings: A Free Open-Air Concert
A few days before Taylor and her tour returns to Wembley Stadium, the City String Ensemble will be performing classical renditions of some of her biggest hits, including ‘Love Story’, ‘Fortnight’, ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’, ‘Anti-Hero’, ‘Shake It Off’ and ‘Cruel Summer’ at the Sound Shell open-air stage in Wembley Park. The concert is FREE to attend but you will have to book a spot as spaces are limited.
Tues 13th August 2024
Samovar Space, Wembley Park, HA9 0AA
wembleypark.com
Taylor On Tour: A Photo Exhibition
Re-live your fave Taylor on tour moments by checking out this free exhibition at Wembley Park’s outdoor photo gallery. The images on display, including moments from the Eras Tour and her 2018 Reputation Tour, showcase everything from her elaborate costumes and set designs to intimate moments with fans.
Until September 2024
Wembley Park Outdoor Gallery, Arena Square, Wembley Park, HA9 0AA
wembleypark.com
Taylor Swift Eras Party
Scarlett Green is throwing a weeklong party in honour of Taylor’s return to London this August. Singing waiters and waitresses will be performing hits from across her eras, which you can enjoy while tucking into a bottomless feast featuring a sharing board, cocktail fountain and unlimited prosecco. Tickets start at £25 and range up to £65 for the bottomless drinks options.
Weds 14th – Sat 17th August 2024
4 Noel Street, London, W1F 8JB
daisygreenfood.com
Brunch – Taylor’s Version at Gaucho
Steakhouse Gaucho is breaking out a Taylor Swift-inspired brunch at its Piccadilly location this August. Expect themed cocktails, glitter artists and buttermilk fried chicken tenders (reportedly Taylor’s favourite food).
Sat 17th August 2024
25 Swallow Street, London W1B 4QR
gauchorestaurants.com
Taylor Swift Pottery Painting Workshops
Head to Carb Club in Hackney where the studio is hosting a series of Taylor Swift-themed pottery painting workshops. Each of the three-hour events will be soundtracked by an Eras Tour playlist while you paint a piece of pottery – either a pasta bowl, cereal bowl, pet bowl, mug, small plate or three coasters. Decorate yours with symbols from each of Taylor’s Eras, or with your favourite lyrics, get it glazed and fired and, once it’s ready (usually after 2-3 weeks – if you’re travelling for the show, Carb Club can ship the finished piece to you), bring it home as your own personalised piece of tour merch.
Thurs 15th – Fri 16th & Mon 19th – Tues 20th August 2024
112, Warwick Works, Lower Clapton, London E5 8QJ
carbclub.co
Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail at the V&A
The Victoria & Albert Museum is opening a new exhibition – Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail – showcasing outfits worn by the 14-time Grammy Award-winning artist. The trail will feature costumes and accessories on loan from Taylor’s own personal archive which retrace the iconic singer’s career (or, her Eras). Expect to see customised cowboy boots from way back in 2007 alongside pieces from some of her most recent music videos. The Songbook Trail will explore Taylor’s legacy further through instruments, awards, storyboards and previously unseen archival items.
Sat 27th July – Sun 8th September 2024
V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
vam.ac.uk
Taylor Swift Fan Park
Pre-game Swiftie-style for the Wembley concerts by heading to the Taylor Swift Fan Park at BOXPARK Wembley. Running for all of her London dates, there’ll be DJs, live performances, glitter stations, drinks specials and more to get involved in.
Thurs 15th – Tues 20th August 2024
BOXPARK Wembley, Olympic Way, Wembley HA9 0JT
boxpark.co.uk
Featured image: Depositphotos