Taylor Swift latest: Popstar to kick-off Eras tour in UK; ‘I would kill for her!’ – fans camp outside as tour gets under way
Key points
- Taylor Swift officially brings her Eras tour to the UK todayHow much a last-minute ticket will set you backWhat’s the forecast for Edinburgh?Calendar of Swift’s UK tour datesLive reporting by Bhvishya Patel and Jess Sharp
16:58:08 Fancy a Swiftie Swirl or a Shake It Off milkshake?
By Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
Special Swiftie-themed sweet treats have been created in ode to the superstar and Hamilton-based Equi’s has made a bubblegum and white chocolate ice cream.
Named the Swiftie Swirl, it is on sale at Gladstone’s Land on the Royal Mile.
Gladstone’s Land, run by the National Trust for Scotland, has been decorated outside with bright flowers in tribute to Swift.
Supervisor Rosie Florence Jackson, 24, said: “We’ve gone all out. We’re in our Lover Era.”
In addition to the Swiftie Swirl, a Shake It Off milkshake and Lavender Haze ice cream are also available.
Rosie said: “The city is busy and we’re excited to see all the Swifties.”
16:50:01 Are you a die-hard Taylor Swift fan? This could be the job for you
A job search for the ultimate Taylor Swift fan is under way – with applications closing on 10 June.
The global online marketplace GetYourGuide is looking for the UK’s biggest Swiftie to build a tour inspired by the popstar’s personal and lyrical experience of London.
As part of the role, the successful candidate will be able to curate and deliver the new tour in London in collaboration with GetYourGuide and Urban Saunters, with job perks including training with expert tour guides, complimentary tickets to bring friends and family on the tours you lead, company merchandise, and compensation.
Applications for the job opened on 29 May and close on 10 June.
James Barker, UK brand lead at GetYourGuide, said people today “sought destinations and experiences inspired by their passions”.
“The deep connection she [Taylor Swift] shares with her fans has created genuine excitement about the places she brings to the spotlight, and we know there’s a treasure trove of Taylor-made places in London just waiting to be explored,” he said.
16:35:01 What should Swifties wear to help them remember the details of tonight’s show?
Whether it’s jewels, sparkles or wearing red, Swifties will have thought hard and long about the perfect outfit for tonight’s show.
A report by Barclays predicted almost one in five fans will be splashing out on new clothes for the occasion, spending an average of £56 each.
But while comfort and confidence is key, a cognitive psychologist has suggested the outfits they wear might actually be important in remembering all the details from the show.
So instead of relying on your phone to capture Taylor’s performance, here are some ways your clothes might improve your memory.
Dr Carolyn Mair explained that clothing can help us activate memories of events – especially if you have customised them yourself.
In her book, The Psychology Of Fashion, she said: “Clothing can act as a mnemonic, or memory device, anchoring memories to specific sensory experiences.
“Because clothing plays a significant role in how we encode, retrieve, and relive memories, it provides a tangible link to experiences and emotions and the stronger the emotion at the time of the experience, the easier it is to recall it.”
When it comes to customising your clothes, this can enhance your memories because of the “deep psychological and emotional connections formed” when they are created, she explained.
“The personal significance reflects individual tastes and identity making it more meaningful, while the emotional investment in the creation strengthens memory encoding and recall, enhancing the overall nostalgic experience,” she said.
It is unsurprising then that TikTok is full of Swifties’ custom clothing designs, most notably the viral custom Taylor’s Version denim jacket by the artist Katia Scandale.
16:20:01 John Swinney tells of ‘bond with the Swifties’
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has told of his “bond with the Swifties”, before going on to name his favourite song by the US singer.
During a general election campaign event in Glasgow, Mr Swinney was asked to name his top three Taylor Swift songs to which he replied that he had felt a “bond with the Swifties” since Loch Tay in his Perthshire North Holyrood constituency was temporarily renamed Loch Tay Tay in honour of the star’s arrival.
Mr Swinney also said his favourite Swift song was her 2019 single You Need To Calm Down, which he erroneously referred to as You’ve Got To Calm Down.
“First of all, I really welcome Taylor Swift’s journey to Scotland, and the fact her tour is starting off in Scotland. I think that’s a massive, exciting opportunity,” he said.
“The fact that the most beautiful place on the planet, Loch Tay, has been renamed Loch Tay Tay creates a new bond between me and the Swifties as I represent Loch Tay – or Loch Tay Tay – so that’s absolutely fantastic, and I do feel that bond with the Swifties really strongly.
“My very favourite Taylor Swift song is, and you’ll appreciate this, is You’ve Got To Calm Down.”
16:05:01 ‘We’re really excited she’s here’: Jewellery shop throwing Swift-themed party all weekend
By Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
A jewellery shop in the city centre is throwing a Swift-themed party all weekend.
Laura Bond Jewellery, in Thistle Street, is offering piercings, luxury friendship bracelets and themed pieces all based on Swift’s different eras.
There’s even a glitter bar so fans can add a touch of sparkle to their make-up.
Owner Laura Bond, 40, has been a Swift fan since she was 24.
She said the singer has being the soundtrack to many defining moments in her life, including heartbreaks as well as the birth of her son.
Ms Bond said: “She’s just a positive role model. And that’s what we’re all about here.”
The store owner said the jewellery on sale – especially the friendship bracelets – have been designed to last.
Ms Bond, who has a ticket for Friday night, designed a special pendant for Swift which is now backstage at Murrayfield.
She hopes the singer wears the jewellery at some point during her Scottish shows.
She added: “We’re really excited she’s here.”
15:39:53 LNER train service named ‘Flying Swiftie’
An LNER train service from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh was named the “Flying Swiftie” to celebrate the start of Taylor Swift’s UK tour.
Today, many Swifties are making their way to Edinburgh for the billion-dollar blockbuster Eras tour.
Fans have waited more than a year for the show to arrive, since she kicked off her marathon string of dates in Glendale, Arizona in March 2023.
Since then she has crossed the US, Asia and south America and made stops across Europe.
15:20:45 Bracelet making workshop in Edinburgh
Taylor Swift fans in Edinburgh have been busy making friendship bracelets at St James Quarter this morning.
The bracelets have become a trend since the emergence of Swift’s album Midnights in 2022 and you don’t have to search too hard to find a fan selling one online.
The scenes come as hundreds of fans continue arriving at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh for the show tonight.
15:03:03 ‘This is a big deal’: Swifties eagerly awaiting tonight’s show
By Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
Teenagers Elspeth Milton and Alice O’Flynn caught an early train from Aberfeldy to Edinburgh Waverley station.
The pair have just finished secondary school and are starting their summer in style with tonight’s show.
Alice, 18, who is about to embark on a gap year, said the two friends have been Swift fans for years.
She added: “We’re just really excited. This is a big deal.”
Elspeth, 17, who will be studying film at the University of Edinburgh, she could not wait to hear the songs Cardigan and Love Story.
She said: “It’s going to be nostalgic.”
Mary, 17, and Evie Williams, 19, travelled from Hull this morning for tonight’s show.
The sisters adore Swift’s music.
Evie said: “I’ve liked her music for a very long time. Mary’s just started liking her recently – she’s been converted.
“I liked all her early country music. But I just love all of it.
“I hope she plays some of her older songs, like Love Story and You Belong With Me.”
Speaking directly to Swift, Evie added: “Thanks for coming here.”
14:46:23 They’re doing all too well: Tamarins at Edinburgh Zoo named after Taylor Swift
Two tamarins born this week at Edinburgh Zoo have been named Taylor and Swift in honour of the US popstar.
The primates are said to be “doing well” and were named by the zoo’s keepers.
14:30:01 Woman with alopecia describes how Swift’s music ‘makes her feel heard’
By Jenness Mitchell, Scotland reporter
Jen Davies, from Edinburgh, can’t wait to see Swift in action tonight and has been eagerly getting ready.
The 34-year-old, who has alopecia, said the singer’s music “makes you feel connected to others”.
She said: “My alopecia will always be a part of me – just like Taylor Swift’s music will be.”
Jen hopes Swift will sing Blank Space, Fifteen and I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.
She added: “Growing up listening to Taylor Swift, especially the debut and Fifteen albums, was timeless.
“As a teenager with alopecia, I felt heard, I felt comfort, and I felt in control of my high school bullies through music.
“Putting in my headphones and loading up my red iPod nano, I felt safe.
“Now as a young adult, I still feel heard by her music. Her lyrics mean something to me and so many others.
“Her music has got me through so many stages in life. Plus, she’s an icon.”
This content is provided by , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options. Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Source