Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (2024)

Taylor Swift will return to London this week for her sold out Wembley Stadium shows.

Swift's concerts are set to run for five nights starting on Thursday at Wembley and will mark the last time she comes to the UK for her gargantuan Eras tour.

They will start about a week after three of her performances were cancelled in Austria over a suspected terrorist plot.

She was due to play at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but event organisers announced their cancellation the day before the first show after two men were arrested over an alleged terror plot said to be targeting the events.

For Wembley, there will be initial ticket checks, plus additional checks at points in and around the stadium.

Here's a look at what we know about the alleged plot in Vienna, what authorities in the UK have said about whether the London gigs will be affected and what security will be in place at Wembley.

What was the threat in Austria?

Teenage suspects were were planning to use knives or homemade explosives to kill as many people as possible at one of Swift's shows, according to officials.

The 19-year-old main suspect was aiming to "kill himself and a large crowd at the concert," the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, said.

Advertisem*nt

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (1)

He was arrested last week along with a second suspect, said to be a 17-year-old Austrian citizen with a Turkish and Croatian background, who started a job at the concert venue days before the Taylor Swift shows were cancelled over the terror threat, according to officials.

The suspects had been under surveillance for some time and were well known to Austrian authorities, the officials added.

An 18-year-old Iraqi national was arrested later after allegedly being in contact with the 19-year-old main suspect, but authorities said the third teenager was "not directly connected to the attack plans" but comes from the same social circle as the main suspect.

Officials said the 19-year-old had carried out "concrete preparatory actions" for the plot, adding chemicals and "technical devices" were found during a search of his home.

Austrian home secretary Gerhard Karner said the suspect was "clearly radicalised in the direction of the Islamic State (IS) and thinks it is right to kill infidels".

A blurred image of the man brandishing two large knives was shown at a news conference last Thursday.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (2)

Officials have confirmed no other suspects are being sought.

What police say about security at the Wembley gigs

Swift already played for three nights at Wembley in June. She has five more gigs to go at the stadium - on the 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th of August.

When asked about the Vienna terror plot and whether it would have an impact on the Wembley gigs, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Sky News: "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."

Sky News asked London Mayor Sadiq Khan about whether security plans had changed at Wembley due to the Vienna cancellations.

"We've got a huge amount of experience in policing these events. We are never complacent," Mr Khan said.

"Many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack."

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (3)

The mayor added police "work really closely, not just with City Hall and with councils, but also with those who host concerts".

"I'm sure Vienna has got its own reasons for deciding to cancel the Taylor Swift concerts," he continued. "We're going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the concerts can take place in London safely."

Policing minister Diana Johnson said Scotland Yard will look at "all the intelligence" before the London concerts.

"Clearly, the police will be looking at all the intelligence and making decisions - they risk assess every event that happens in this country, and that's something for the police," she told LBC Radio when asked about Swift's gigs.

"Can I also just say there is, of course, a commitment in our manifesto in the general election to introduce Martyn's law, which, again, is about making sure that those... venues which could be subject to terrorist attack have in place everything that they need in terms of keeping people safe, and that will be brought forward by the government shortly," Ms Johnson added.

How will police be approaching the London Swift concerts?

Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national coordinator, gave Sky News some insight into how the Vienna development will be monitored by UK authorities.

"Nationally, counter-terror policing will be trying to get information from their Austrian colleagues to understand the precise nature of the threat," he said.

"What were the drivers for it, was this a directed attack or an inspired attack? In essence, they will be trying to see if there is any residual or transnational threat that will be greater than their current threat assessment for these concerts, and the entertainment sector more broadly."

He said it is likely the operators of the venue would decide to call off or postpone the concert rather than the police, but that doing so would be seen "as an extreme response and one that is probably unnecessary providing that they can assure themselves that there is security at the events capable of preventing acts of terrorism".

Sky News reached out to Wembley Stadium for comment.

Read more from Sky News:
Rapper Nelly 'found with ecstasy pills'
Thousands complain after home sec interviewed by husband

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (4)

Mr Aldworth says if he were overseeing the concert, he would be assessing whether or not his team were capable of detecting potential terrorist threats based on what is known about them so far.

"If the answer to that question is no, I would then need to understand why not, and what the gap is between that and being able to assure myself that I can keep people safe," he said.

He added they will need to weigh up the threat not just during the concert, but also before and after it, both at the stadium and outside of it.

Any security personnel working at Wembley "should be" equipped to deal with potential terror threats, he said, as licensed security officers are required to complete online counter-terrorism awareness training every three years.

"There are several parallels between Wembley and Manchester Arena, especially in terms of environmental layout and responsibilities sitting across different organisations who must work together to keep people safe," he explained.

He said all parties should now have "laser-sharp precision" in understanding how to work with each other after the Manchester bombing inquiry's conclusions last year.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (5)

Mr Aldworth said he faced the "exact scenario" current counter-terrorism bosses are now dealing with after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 - when he was head of counter-terrorism protective security in London.

"The O2 at Greenwich had a series of high-profile concerts scheduled within a few days of the bombing," he recalled.

"I was able to work with the O2's leadership to share the intelligence that they might need to make operational decisions, as well as offer supporting resources to keep the areas outside the concert space safe."

He said the O2 then looked at its own security plan and had "an extremely high degree of confidence" that it would detect and prevent terrorism on its premises, and therefore went ahead with the events.

Counter terrorism's guide to safety at gigs and festivals

Counter Terrorism Policing gives pointers to the public for staying safe at concerts.

Here is a summary of what they suggest:

  • Be patient with security checks and don't give security, staff or stewards a hard time
  • Don't bring unnecessary items to the event
  • If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to police or to security staff immediately
  • In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff - especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly
  • Don't leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare - and never agree to look after anyone else's bags
  • If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.

They add that it's important to "stay alert, but not alarmed," and that the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small.

But if it happens, they add, remind yourself of these key steps: "Run, hide, tell."

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (6)

What security measures does Wembley Stadium have in place?

A spokesperson for Wembley Stadium told Sky News extra ticket checks are in place for in and around the stadium, but that these are the same measures that were in place for Swift's first Eras shows at the venue in June.

Organisers have warned Swifties overnight camping is not allowed and urged them to only turn up at the stadium if they have tickets.

Security personnel at Wembley have a strict bag policy, limiting each person attending an event to one small bag, no bigger than an A4 size.

All bags are searched at an outer cordon of the stadium, and this can include an electronic wanding or pat down.

Security also has the right to search anyone and their belongings both outside or inside the stadium and can refuse entry or eject anyone refusing a search.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (7)

Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free

There's a huge list of prohibited items, including:

  • Knives
  • Fireworks
  • Explosives
  • Smoke canisters
  • Aerosols
  • Air-Horns
  • Noisemakers
  • Flares
  • Weapons
  • Dangerous or hazardous items
  • Illegal substances and legal highs
  • Laser devices
  • Bottles
  • Glass vessels
  • Cans
  • Poles

Other security measures consist of what you would expect of all event venues, such as intolerance of violent or abusive behaviours, causing damage to equipment, throwing objects or obstructing walkways.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (11)

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Would notice be given if Swift's London gigs were cancelled?

Not necessarily, as Wembley Stadium has the right to cancel or reschedule events without giving notice to ticketholders.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (2024)

FAQs

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? ›

London's Metropolitan Police said Tuesday there is no indication the foiled Austrian terror plot would impact the London shows, adding it would “continue to keep any new information under careful review.”

How many Taylor Swift concerts are there in London? ›

Taylor Swift has dazzled audiences when she played in British stadiums back in June. Included in this tour were three monumental sold-out shows at London's Wembley Stadium, but she has now come back for a second round, performing from August 15-20 again at Wembley.

What hotel is Taylor Swift at in London? ›

Swift has been spotted at the celebrity-loved hotel and restaurant Chiltern Firehouse in Marylebone, London, on numerous occasions.

How many hours does a Taylor Swift concert last? ›

On dates where Taylor performs the full Eras Tour setlist, the concert is 3 hours and 15 minutes long. However, Taylor often has surprises at her shows and in some cases the concerts have lasted as long as 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Who is opening for Taylor Swift at Wembley? ›

American Rock band Paramore will be the main support act for all of Taylor Swift's UK tour dates, including the Wembley shows. In our guide to Taylor Swift at Wembley, we confirmed there were three additional opening acts in for her shows in June: Mette (June 21), Griff (June 22), and Benson Boone (June 23).

What time does Taylor Swift go on stage in London? ›

Taylor fans can generally expect Taylor to come on stage between 6:30pm and 7:30pm BST, however, in the most recent show on 15th August she appeared at the slightly earlier time of 6:40pm BST, so make sure you're at the venue on time if you want to see the start of the show.

How many people at Wembley for Taylor Swift? ›

As nearly 100,000 descended on Wembley Stadium to watch the pop billionaire on her second stint in London, many of the fans in attendance could only get their hands on seats with a 'restricted' view - however as they posted clips of their experience on TikTok, it seems they might have had some of the best seats in the ...

What street is Taylor Swift's apartment on? ›

TAYLOR'S COZY TOWNHOUSE

The Post compiled some pictures assembled from social media posts that they say show the inside of Taylor Swift's two buildings on Franklin Street. (Last I checked she had the one smaller building and two floors on the bigger one on the right, all connected.)

What hotel did Taylor Swift stay in? ›

According to Page Six, Swift and her athlete boyfriend stayed at the Hôtel De Crillon, which is a part of the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The hotel includes 10 sprawling suites that range in price from $4,600 to Tay's $21,000-per-night digs.

How much does Taylor Swift make per concert? ›

Swift reportedly makes about $13.6 million for each performance, according to reports from 'Forbes'. This number demonstrates her prominence as one of the most well-known pop music artists of today.

What happens at the Eras tour? ›

An Eras Tour show is over three hours and 15 minutes long, by far the longest of Swift's career. It consists of between 44 and 46 songs, grouped into 10 acts, representing each "musical era" of her discography.

Does the Eras Tour have an opener? ›

Taylor Swift, the global pop sensation, has announced the addition of three new opening acts for her highly anticipated Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium. Swift shared the news on her Instagram story, delighting fans with the announcement of Mette, Griff, and Benson Boone as the new performers joining her London shows.

Who is supporting Taylor Swift in London? ›

  • Paramore. Rock-pop band Paramore has supported Swift throughout her UK and European dates for the Eras Tour and will appear at every London show. ...
  • Sofia Isella. ...
  • Holly Humberstone. ...
  • Suki Waterhouse.
3 days ago

How many people fit in Wembley Stadium? ›

With 90,000 seats, it's the largest sports venue in the UK and the second-largest stadium in Europe.

Is Wembley Stadium covered? ›

The all-seater stadium is a bowl design with a capacity of 90,000, protected from the elements by a sliding roof that does not completely enclose it.

Has Taylor Swift ever done a UK tour? ›

Taylor Swift has smashed a triumphant set in front of an enormous crowd in Edinburgh on her record-breaking Eras tour – telling fans it was "the wildest way to welcome a lass". As she welcomed the crowd, the US megastar announced it was officially the highest-attended stadium show in Scottish history.

Where has Taylor Swift been in London? ›

Crouch End and Primrose Hill

Swift spent plenty of time in Crouch End during her long romance with actor Joe Alwyn, as that was where he had his own property. Rumour has it that they hunkered down there together in 2020 amid the coronavirus lockdowns.

How many Taylor Swift era concerts are there? ›

The Eras Tour
End dateDecember 8, 2024
No. of shows149
Supporting actsParamore Gayle Beabadoobee Muna Gracie Abrams Phoebe Bridgers Owenn Girl in Red Haim Sabrina Carpenter Louta Mette Griff Benson Boone Sofia Isella Holly Humberstone Suki Waterhouse Maisie Peters Raye
Taylor Swift concert chronology
8 more rows

Who was at the Eras tour in London? ›

Taylor Swift's Eras tour returns in London, with assist from Ed Sheeran, after foiled terror plot. LONDON (AP) — Taylor Swift's history-making Eras Tour made a triumphant return, accompanied by Ed Sheeran, in London Thursday night.

References

Top Articles
The PM has torpedoed the republic portfolio, but the movement says it understands why
When We Were Young 2024: Lineup, tickets, how to get to Las Vegas
ARK Survival Ascended Floating Turret Tower Build Guide
9Anime Keeps Buffering
Hsqa Online Renewal System
Scooter Tramps And Beer
Parc Soleil Drowning
Gma Deals And Steals December 5 2022
Use Caution: Herds of wild horses escaping Davis Fire spotted evacuating up Geiger Grade
Culver's Flavor Of The Day Little Chute
Does Teddy Swims Have A Wife? Exploring The Life Of The Rising Star
911 Active Calls Caddo
Mit 5G Internet zu Hause genießen
Northern Whooping Crane Festival highlights conservation and collaboration in Fort Smith, N.W.T. | CBC News
R Umineko
Un-Pc Purchase Crossword Clue
Mayo Webscheduler
Smart fan mode msi, what's it for and does it need to be activated?
Rocky Bfb Asset
Vegamovies 2023 » Career Flyes
O'reilly's Iron Mountain Michigan
Cox Teacher Discount
Volstate Portal
Experience the Convenience of Po Box 790010 St Louis Mo
Cavender's Boot City Killeen Photos
Uhaul L
Jacksonville Nc Skipthegames
Lucky Dragon Net
02080797947
02080797947
Boone County Sheriff 700 Report
Dl Delta Extranet
Lehigh Wheelmen Meetup
How to Grow Boston Fern Plants Outside - Gardening Channel
Woude's Bay Bar Photos
Ap Macro Calculator
فیلم 365 روز 1 نیکی مووی
Mercy Baggot Street Mypay
Crime Times Louisville Ky Mugshots
Alles, was ihr über Saison 03 von Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 und Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II wissen müsst
Claudy Jongstra on LinkedIn: Tonight at 7 PM opens NAP+, a new, refreshing and enriching addition to…
Bostick Thompkins Funeral Home
Road Techs
Cnas Breadth Requirements
Grasons Estate Sales Tucson
Papa Johns Pizza Hours
Marquette Gas Prices
Ava Kayla And Scarlet - Mean Bitches Humiliate A Beta
Luaj Shah Falas
Raleigh Craigs List
Ceton Village Diggy
When His Eyes Opened Chapter 3002
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 6479

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.