Taylor Swift will bring her long-awaited Eras tour to Cardiff tonight for one night only, and Swifties are Ready For It... as some began queuing outside the Principality Stadium at midnight.
It is the first time the global superstar has ever performed in Cardiff, and clearly it's the moment that fans have all been waiting for - as almost 100 fans were already waiting in line for the show by 5.30am this morning.
Excited Swifties have travelled from far and wide to enjoy the three-hour Eras tour extravaganza, with some early birds in the queue having even ventured over from the USA for tonight's show.
And while those already in line have a long day ahead of them, thankfully the sun is shining in Cardiff, with the Met Office predicting "a dry and fine day for most with plenty of sunny spells", with maximum temperatures of 21°C.
And those already outside the stadium can treat themselves to some Taylor Swift merchandise while they wait - as the official merch stand will be open outside Gates 1 and 6 of the Principality Stadium all day, from 10am until after the show.
Full road closures around the stadium will be in place from midday, with VIP early entry opening at 15.00, and the public gates opening at 16.00, ahead of a 17.45 show start time, as Paramore open the show.
And if you haven't yet grabbed yourself tickets for the Cardiff show tonight, there are still a limited number of seats up for grabs on resale sites such as viagogo and VividSeats - starting at £260 for restricted view seats, or £320 for a view of the stage, on viagogo, at the time of writing, and at £380 for a restricted view, or £415 for a seat with a view, on VividSeats.
Floor standing tickets are also still available, but will set you back anything from £370 on viagogo, or £510 on VividSeats.
And with tickets being so pricey, business insurance comparison site, Bionic, has urged concert-goers to ensure they have purchased ticket insurance, in case of instances such as serious illness, theft of tickets, traffic accidents, traffic or transportation delay, or severe weather.
A spokesperson for Bionic said: "Those who could be travelling quite a way to get to their event, or who may have an ongoing illness may find the additional cost for protection worth it, even just for peace of mind.
"However, remember that not all circ*mstances are covered under ticket insurance policies, so do your research on what you would be able to claim against before paying for a policy that might not meet your needs."
Costs for insurance cover varies, but is usually around 10 per cent of the ticket cost - meaning the more expensive the ticket, the more insurance is likely to cost. If you need to claim on insurance for missing your event, be sure to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
For all the build-up to the big night in Cardiff tonight, as well as weather and travel reports, and fans' reactions, scroll down:
Ffion Lewis
Taylor loved Cardiff!
There's one easy way to endear yourself to a local crowd - compliment them. When Taylor Swift arrived for her first ever solo show in Wales, she did exactly that.
As well as hailing the Cardiff crowd throughout the show and deploying some genuinely impressive and well-thought-out use of the Welsh language, Taylor made a few specific comments about Wales in her show.
Here are just some of Taylor's quips about Cymru during her stint in Cardiff.
Ffion Lewis
Was Taylor inspired by Mr Urdd himself?
Taylor's green and red sparkly outfit for the 1989 era of her Cardiff date may well have been inspired by a certain Welsh icon!
Pwy wisgodd hi orau? #CardiffTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/I9j0UGs5oq
— Urdd Gobaith Cymru (@Urdd) June 19, 2024
Ffion Lewis
Louis Rees-Zammit spotted in the audience
Travis Kelce's teammate Louis Rees-Zammit was spotted at Taylor Swift's Eras tour in Cardiff on Tuesday evening. The Welsh sportsman who is currently back home in the Vale of Glamorgan attended the gig with his brother. Travis is currently dating Taylor.
Rees-Zammit made the move to the US earlier this year after he quit rugby in the hopes of making the dream of playing American football come true. The 23-year-old, who was already popular in Wales, hit the ground running when he signed for the Kansas City Chiefs.
See all of our celeb spots here!
Ffion Lewis
Taylor and team learned the lingo!
Taylor Swift sent the crowd wild on Tuesday as she spoke Welsh several times during her huge Eras tour gig in Cardiff. T
It seems as though Taylor and her team learned the lingo for the occasion, dropping in some Welsh phrases into the 3-hour bumper set. Right from the get-go Taylor had the crown screaming when she announced "Shwmae Cardiff" as she kicked off the gig. She opened the show with a 'Hiya' in a Welsh accent, and after banger Cruel Summer she shouted "Shwmae!" ("Hello!") at the crowd with a wave.
She also said "Croeso I daith Eras" which translates to Welcome to the Eras tour which again got the crowd on their feet! Later in the show she also chanted "Un, dau, tri, pedwar" as in "1,2,3,4".
Ffion Lewis
Cardiff crowd leaves Taylor speechless
Taylor Swift was left open-mouthed and visibly shocked during her performance in Cardiff, even stopping in her tracks to soak ion the atmosphere in the Welsh capital.
The moment was sparked by the crowd's reaction to her performance of Champagne Problems. She stood for over a minute taking in the moment, looking stunned
On the big screen she was seen mouthing, "Oh my God", then took out her earpiece in disbelief at the sound of the crowd and mouthing, "What?!" She put her earpiece back, before she told her audience: "This crowd in Cardiff is one for the books. This is different - you're another level! I love you so much, thank you for that. You're just so beautiful - you're so generous to us."
Ffion Lewis
The reviews are in!
The first review of Taylor Swift's sold out Cardiff date is in and people absolutely loved it!
"Croeso i'r daith Eras!” Welcome to the Eras Tour. Just when you think nothing could make 67,000 Taylor Swift fans more ravenous for the capital’s gig, the icon herself welcomes them in Welsh.
After months of anticipation, it was a full house for the one-night stint of the Eras Tour in Cardiff - a gig that pays homage to 18 years of music. Some fans spent camped outside Principality Stadium from the early hours hoping to get a front-row seat, while others flew from America and beyond to catch a glimpse of the Midnights singer.
And it seemed none were disappointed by the 44-song, three hour long performance that left Ms Swift herself thanking fans for their energy, excitement and generosity.
Phoebe Tonks
Why didn't Taylor's boyfriend Travis Kelce cheer her on in Cardiff?
As fans went wild on Tuesday evening for Taylor Swift’s one and only concert date in Wales, one person who remained conspicuously absent was the singer’s boyfriend Travis Kelce. Many fans had been hoping to catch a glimpse of the NFL star and Taylor together at the event, but sadly prior engagements meant that the sporting hero couldn’t attend her performance in the Welsh capital.
Instead of supporting Taylor in Cardiff, Travis was tied up at a football event in the US, when he attended the Tight End University in Nashville, which brings together tight ends in the league for “a variety of activities including film study, on-field drills, recovery, rehabilitation, and more.”
Split across three days, the welcome reception took place within hours of Taylor’s performance, meaning he couldn’t make it across the pond and back in time to cheer on his best girl.
However, fans of the couple could catch a glimpse of the pair on Thursday, June 20, when Travis is expect to be in France to record an episode of New Heights, reportsPage Six, just a short journey away from London, where Taylor is set to perform later this week.
Phoebe Tonks
Road closures have now been lifted
Ahead of yesterday's landmark Taylor Swift concert, several roads around the Principality Stadium were cordoned off and closed to traffic from 7am in anticipation of the pop songstress' arrival and that of her 70,000 fans. Following the conclusion of the event and the dispersment of attendees, all of these cordons have now been lifted with traffic flow having been restored.
Phoebe Tonks
British Transport Police get into the spirit with safety message and bracelet swap
With so many fans travelling in and out of Cardiff on Tuesday, extra officers from both the British Transport Police and South Wales Police were on hand to help keep everyone safe - and even had a few bracelets to hand out in the process.
Now, following on from the conclusion of Taylor's phenomenal performance, the support doesn't stop from the police service either. As passengers are urged to report any behaviour that makes them feel uncomfortable on their journeys home by texting 61016.
— British Transport Police (@BTP) June 18, 2024We're swapping text 61016 friendship bracelets with #TaylorSwift fans in Cardiff
You can text 61016 to report ANYTHING that makes you uncomfortable on your train journey.
Save it in your phone now: https://t.co/mTjBzCDwXr#cardifftstheerastour pic.twitter.com/mEyBhOnLv3
Phoebe Tonks
Tickets still available for Taylor's next stop in London
Taylor’s time in Wales may now be over, but the pop sensation’s time in the UK has far from finished, as her next stop on tour will take her to London’s iconic Wembley stadium in just three days time, where she will be joined by supporting acts Paramore and METTE this Friday.
Although tickets for the must see show are like gold-dust, there are still some available on re-selling platforms such as viagogo, Stubhub and Vivid Seats.
- VIAGOGO - Buy Taylor Swift resale tickets here.
- VIVID SEATS - Buy Taylor Swift resale tickets here.
- STUBHUB - Buy Taylor Swift resale tickets here.
Given the reactions from fans at tonight’s Cardiff show, it’s safe to say seeing Taylor live has been an unforgettable experience, with plenty of smiles, tears and heartwarming moments shared as the American singer brought a little of her patented musical magic to Cymru.
So much, so several Welsh fans have already revealed on social media that they intend to see the star for a second time at Wembley later this week!
Phoebe Tonks
Minor delays to some train services
So far most travel appears to be running smoothly, with the extra capacity trains helping to ease any congestion as fans head home from the concert. At present, the only travel delays for Swifties heading home appear to be minor and confined to the Cardiff Central - Cortyon route.
For Taylor Swift fans heading home via the M4, drivers are advised that one lane is closed due to roadworks on the M4 Westbound from J40 A4107 Tanygroes Street (Port Talbot / Taibach) to J41 (Baglan / Pentyla).
In addition, the M4 Westbound entry slip road closed due to roadworks at J41.
Both of these changes will be in effect until 6am on Wednesday.
Reem Ahmed
Fans begin leaving the stadium
Hordes of fans have now started leaving the stadium. Here are the scenes on Wood Street.
Sam Cook
Karma is Taylor's final song
Taylor thanked Welsh fans for turning out and she said 'Diolch o galon' to conclude the concert.
Reem Ahmed
Taylor plays song she's never played live before
Taylor has played a song off her new album - The Tortured Poets Department - called 'I Hate It Here', which she said she's never played live before.
Sam Cook
Surprise songs REVEALED
Taylor Swift's surprise songs are revealed to be...
- I Forgot That You Existed
- This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things
Sam Cook
Fans enjoy the end of the show outside the stadium
Among those listening to Taylor's final songs is Darcy Ayres and Megan Williams.
Reem Ahmed
Hundreds of people listen to concert outside the stadium
Hundreds of fans who couldn't get tickets for the stadium have gathered outside to listen. Even though the roof is shut, they're getting quite the show!
Fans on Fitzhamon Embankment
More fans on the bridge over the Taff
Swifties on Westgate Street
Reem Ahmed
Concert enters 1989 era
The concert has now entered Swift's 1989 era - her fifth studio album released in 2014.
She started off with Style, then Blank Space and has just moved onto Shake It Off.
And this is what she's wearing. Anybody else think those colours seem quite Welsh?!
Sam Cook
'This crowd is different'
After a huge reaction to Champagne Problems, Taylor says: "This crowd in Cardiff is one for the books. This crowd is different," looking visibly stunned. She adds: "You're another level!"
Sam Cook
Wild Welshies
The crowd went mad after Taylor sang Champagne Problems from her Evermore album. Welsh people truly love a bit of Tay Tay!
Sam Cook
More outfit changes
Taylor has worn several outfits throughout the show, each dependant on which era she is performing in. These include an elegant ball gown and a black and red leather catsuit.
Sam Cook
Taylor references the 'Welsh countryside'
Discussing her folklore era, Taylor says she imagined writing the songs in a place "like the Welsh countryside". She was sat at a mossy piano.
Sam Cook
Reviews from inside the stadium
"It is unlike any atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at a concert - or a sports match for that!", WalesOnline reporter Ben Summer said in a message during the show.
Another audience member said: "She really is incredible. Had this aura about her . When she looks at people they scream like Beatlemania/Elvis. A lot more interaction that you see on Disney+."
Sam Cook
Taylor fans won't take no for an answer
Whilst this live blog has been packed with updates from the concert itself, not everyone was lucky enough to get tickets for the Eras Tour. That didn't stop people though - and they camped out along the Embankment across the road from the Principality Stadium.
Swifties lined themselves up on Wood Street and on the bridge next to the stadium in the hope of listening to their favourite singer. The atmosphere outside the stadium was almost as electric as what was happening inside.
Karen Price
Pic power
One of our favourite Taylor pics so far - a powerful opening from Ms Swift which included a few words in Welsh and an incredible outfit.
Karen Price
'My favourite tour'
Taylor has just told Cardiff fans: "This tour is the favourite tour of my entire life. You're in the moment - it's magical for us up on stage when you show up like that."
Karen Price
Hat handover
The superstar has handed over her hat to a young fan after performing 22. She will definitely be the envy of her pals...
Sam Cook
'Croeso i'r daith Eras'
Taylor shows off some more of her Welsh language skills by saying,"Croeso i'r daith Eras".
Sam Cook
First outfit change from Tay Tay
Taylor looks glamorous in a sparkly black and gold-pinstripe suit.
Sam Cook
'Shwmae' from Taylor
The biggest singer in the world has clearly done her homework on the Welsh language. She introduced herself to fans by saying "shwmae".
