‘Today, Taylor Swift brings her sensational Eras Tour to Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, with fans queueing since the early hours of the morning. One of the most famous people on the planet, Swift has already dazzled hundreds of thousands of fans in Liverpool and Edinburgh.
Nearly 100 fans were in line before 5:30 am outside Cardiff’s iconic stadium, eager to see the Eras Tour singer perform for more than three hours. If past shows are any indication, she will deliver over 45 songs from her extensive back catalogue. The Anti-Hero singer leaves her fans spellbound as she sings and dances non-stop, come rain or shine. Fortunately, the sun is shining in Cardiff today.
Following Saturday night’s performance in Liverpool, Swift’s team swiftly set their sights on Cardiff’s Principality Stadium for today’s gig (18 June). Taylor will then perform a trio of shows at London’s Wembley Arena (21, 22, 23 June), before continuing her tour across Europe.
Economy
Cardiff is now experiencing Taylor-mania, with one report predicting that fans will spend £14.2 million at local businesses for this one Welsh tour date. The Eras Tour Spending Report by VoucherCodes.co.uk anticipates that over 80,300 Swifties will flock to the Welsh capital, spending an average of £515.81 each to see Taylor live.
Local retail and hospitality sectors can expect an £8.4 million boost in a single day, averaging £105.05 per fan. This includes a forecasted £2.3 million on drinks (£30.52 per person) and £1.7 million on food (£25.84 per person).
Although accommodation costs in Cardiff are more reasonable than other tour cities, prices are expected to rise by 58%, bringing the average stay to £103.16 per person and total accommodation expenditure to £2.8 million. Additionally, £37.94 per person and £3 million in total are expected to be spent on travel to and from Cardiff.
Travel news by train
Rail passengers face disruption today as thousands head to Cardiff for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour gig at the Principality Stadium. Broken down engineering equipment has blocked one of the main lines, causing widespread delays. Rail bosses hope to clear the blockage by lunchtime when services are expected to be extremely busy ahead of the gig.
Rail Services:
- Transport for Wales has warned that rail services will be busier than usual.
- Additional capacity is being provided where possible.
- Road closures in Cardiff city centre will be in effect from noon to midnight.
Travel news by car
Fans heading to Cardiff for the Taylor Swift by car are being warned to expect delays on the road network on Tuesday afternoon. Traffic Wales advises allowing extra time for journeys due to anticipated congestion.
Recent Traffic Issues:
- Last week, 19 miles of tailbacks occurred on the M4 during Pink’s concert at the same venue.
- Two years ago, some fans missed the Ed Sheeran concert due to three-hour delays.
Current Situation:
- Hundreds of fans are already in Cardiff, with thousands more expected to arrive throughout the day.
Traffic Wales Statement: “We expect delays on the network this afternoon, plan your journey and allow extra time. And remember to check before you travel.”
Check Traffic Alerts:
- Visit the Traffic Wales website for real-time updates.
Road Closures:
- Castle Kingsway (North Road to Duke Street)
- Cowbridge Road East (Cathedral Road to Westgate Street)
- Tudor Street (Clare Road to Wood Street; access for residents and traders via Fitzhammon Embankment)
- Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street (Despenser Place to Tudor Street; access for residents and traders)
- Entire closures: High Street, St Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street, Scott Road
- Station Terrace and Guildford Street (Newport Road to Churchill Way; bus access only)
- Penarth Road (30 minutes before and up to an hour after the concert)
- Castle Street and Duke Street will close at 4 PM.
