Whether you’re a Taylor Swift lover or think people just need to calm down, there’s no denying that the megastar’s impact over the past couple of years has reached colossal heights. There are university modules analysing her lyrics and political leaders begging her to perform in their countries. When she brings her Eras tour to the UK in just over a fortnight, she’s predicted to boost the economy by £997m. Truly mind-blowing stuff.
And one UK city that will really be leaning into Swiftmania is Liverpool. Tay will be performing at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium on June 13, 15 and 16 and for that whole week (June 8-16) the city will be transformed into ‘Taylor Town’.
Fans can expect to see a Taylor Town Trail along Liverpool ONE, the Albert Dock and Metquarter, which will showcase a series of art installations inspired by each of her 11 eras (albums). They include a moss-covered grand piano to represent the Evermore era, a ‘red room’ representing the Red era and giant hearts to depict the Lover era and have been curated by Liverpool Council’s culture team and social enterprise Make CIC.
There will also be a series of ticketed craft workshops inviting people to create Swift-inspired origami that will form part of an installation, transform T-shirts, upcycle denim, make collages and decorate cupcakes.
On top of all that, on June 12 the University of Liverpool is hosting a free academic conference where people will ‘debate and deconstruct’ her songs and her reputation, and take part in ‘Critical Karaoke’, where researchers perform one-song essays to their chosen Taylor Swift track.
Liverpool is a bit of a mastermind when it comes to huge cultural events. The city ran a similar project when it hosted Eurovision last year. Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing, said: ‘If there was ever going to be a city that would go all-out with a welcome for Taylor Swift and the Swifties it was bound to be Liverpool.
‘This is all about using that Team Liverpool approach which works so well and has a tangible impact when it comes to boosting the local economy and supporting local businesses – and even though Taylor may only be in town for a matter of days, we hope the sector feels the impact for months to come.’
Are you ready for it?
This summer really is the damn season to be a Swiftie. Keep an eye on the Time Out UK and London sites for all the Eras Tour updates as well as stuff like a full list of her London references, what Swifties had to say at the Black Dog pub and how to go on a Taylor Swift walking tour.
Did you see that National Express is launching loads of new faster coach services across the UK?
Plus: 12 years after being knocked down, this historic pub has been rebuilt brick-by-brick.
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