Taylor Swift's London shows not affected by Vienna cancellations, British police say
As devastated fans in Austria process the news of Taylor Swift canceling her concerts there due to an alleged planned terrorist attack, all eyes turn to Swift's next stop in London.
The singer will return to Wembley Stadium for five nights starting next week. In June, she played three sold-out concerts in the massive venue. British Police said they didn't believe the planned attack in Vienna would affect her London shows.
"There is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London," a spokesperson for London's Metropolitan Police (the Met) said.
On Wednesday, Austrian police said two people were arrested in connection with an alleged planned terrorist attack. One of them, a 19-year-old suspect, had a particular focus on Swift's concerts in Vienna. Officials said he intended to kill himself and a crowd on Thursday or Friday.
More than 195,000 fans were expected to attend the sold-out shows at Ernst Happel Stadium.
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"There is currently no information that other concerts are subject to an explicit threat," Austria's national intelligence head Omar Haijawi-Pirchner said.
London police are still on high alert. The Met Police, which services greater London, also said millions of visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience at high profile events in London each year.
"The Met works closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place," the police spokesperson said. "As always, we will continue to keep any new information under careful review."
London Mayor: 'We're going to carry on'
London Mayor Shadiq Khan talked to Sky News about the London shows on Thursday.
"I'm sure Vienna has got its own reasons for deciding to cancel the Taylor Swift concerts," he said. "We're going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the concerts can take place in London safely."
"We've got a huge amount of experience in policing these events. We are never complacent," Khan added. "Many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack."
Police in Britain are already on high alert after racist riots broke out, targeting immigrants and Muslim communities following the killings of three girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England, on July 29.
"The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders," Swift said the day after that attack. "These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families."
Policing in Britain has been stepped up since the violence erupted, and large anti-racist counter-demonstrations thwarted further violence on Wednesday.
Eras Tour returns to the United Kingdom
Swift performed 10 shows in the United Kingdom in June, visiting Liverpool, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; Cardiff, Wales; and London. Her previous three London shows had 90,000 attendees each night including an array of VIP guests. Prince William and his two children, Sir Paul McCartney, Hugh Grant, Tom Cruise, Travis Kelce, Jason Kelce, Kylie Kelce, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Liam Hemsworth and Greta Gerwig all watched from inside the stadium.
In Swift's thank you post to Wembley she said, "Wembley Stadium round one was so surreal. Looking out into crowds of 90,000 fans each night and hearing that VOLUME… Those were some of the loudest crowds I’ve ever heard. Acoustic sections went OFF."
She will return on Aug. 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20 with opening act Paramore. Swift also announced five additional acts would join her each night before Paramore: Sofia Isella, Holly Humberstone, Suki Waterhouse, Maisie Peters and Raye.
United Kingdom is under a Level 2 travel advisory
For U.S. fans heading to the final European shows in England, the Department of State recommends registering the trip at step.state.gov. This allows fans to receive alerts and ensure they can be located in an emergency.
"As terrorist attacks often take place without any warning, U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate, proactive steps to increase their security awareness when traveling," the Department of State says online.
The United Kingdom is currently under a Level 2 travel advisory: "exercise increased caution." The department said there are ongoing demonstrations in the U.K. that have resulted in violence or property damage. It recommends any travelers heading to the U.K. to run through this checklist:
- Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and x.com/travelgov.
- Review the Country Security Report for the United Kingdom.
- Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
The location for the U.S. Embassy in London is 33 Nine Elms Lane.
Contributing: Reuters
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