Tomorrow (June 7) Taylor Swift will be playing her second ever gig in Scotland. This is huge. After nearly a decade of waiting, Scottish swifties will want to make the most of the occasion.
When Taylor comes to town it’s not just a concert. Her impact is seismic – her trip to the UK is expected to boost the economy by nearly £1 billion according to Barclays. That’s enough to get the attention of loads of independent businesses, many of whom have decided to host their very own Swift-themed events to keep any Swiftie entertained for the entire weekend.
From bracelet making at the St James quarter to afterparties each evening, there’s loads to do even if you weren’t lucky enough to nab tickets. Invite your friends, dress up as your favourite era, and make the most of Taylor being in Edinburgh while it lasts. Based on her track record, it could be another ten years before she’s back.
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Here are all the best events and parties happening over the next few days.
‘Swiftie Fever’ friendship bracelet making and makeup at the St James Quarter
Trading friendship bracelets has become a tradition at the Eras Tour. If you want to get involved at the concert but don't have beads and thread handy, this could be the event for you.
On June 7, 8, and 9 you can book yourself and your friends into a free 30 minute slot in the centre to craft away your hearts desire. You can book your slot here, but make sure to be quick, spaces are selling out fast.
If you miss out on the bracelet making, you can still head to Mac or Urban Decay in the St James Quarter Boots to get your face glitter-ified, or to get Taylor’s signature red lip done on you by professionals.
All the nearby restaurants will also have limited edition Swiftie drinks and bites to eat, so you really can make a day of it before heading off to the concert.
Swiftie Brunch at the Virgin Hotel
Start the day early with a Taylor-inspired brunch. For £30-£35 per person you’ll get food, three ‘bespoke Swiftie cocktails’, and, of course, a friendship bracelet. Each day there will also be a live performance to keep you entertained while you wine and dine, with different performers throughout the weekend. You can book this experience here.
Taylor Swift Drag Brunch at Three Sisters
Hype yourself up for the tram journey to Murrayfield with drag brunch at Three Sisters. Twice a day on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, £25 will get you entry to the Taylor-inspired drag show as well as two cocktails and brunch food. For more info or to book head to Three Sisters’ website here.
Boozy Brunch at Brewhemia
If neither of those take your fancy, perhaps you'll be tempted by a friendship bracelet making station, a glitter bar, and a garnish station where you can customise your cocktails to match your favourite era. Sounds amazing? We thought so. Book your table for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday here.
Eras Afterparty at Liquid Rooms
No concert is complete without a good afterparty. If you’ve got any energy left after the three-and-a-half-hour-long extravaganza that is the Eras Tour, head to Liquid Rooms for afters. They’ll be playing Taylor all night long, so you might get to dance to that deep cut you love that she left off the setlist after all. Tickets are between £9-£11 and can be purchased here.
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