Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (2024)

Taylor Swift will return to London this week for her sold out Wembley Stadium shows.

Swift's concerts are set to run for five nights starting on Thursday at Wembley and will mark the last time she comes to the UK for her gargantuan Eras tour.

They will start about a week after three of her performances were cancelled in Austria over a suspected terrorist plot.

She was due to play at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, but event organisers announced their cancellation the day before the first show after two men were arrested over an alleged terror plot said to be targeting the events.

For Wembley, there will be initial ticket checks, plus additional checks at points in and around the stadium.

Here's a look at what we know about the alleged plot in Vienna, what authorities in the UK have said about whether the London gigs will be affected and what security will be in place at Wembley.

What was the threat in Austria?

Teenage suspects were were planning to use knives or homemade explosives to kill as many people as possible at one of Swift's shows, according to officials.

The 19-year-old main suspect was aiming to "kill himself and a large crowd at the concert," the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, said.

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Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (1)

He was arrested last week along with a second suspect, said to be a 17-year-old Austrian citizen with a Turkish and Croatian background, who started a job at the concert venue days before the Taylor Swift shows were cancelled over the terror threat, according to officials.

The suspects had been under surveillance for some time and were well known to Austrian authorities, the officials added.

An 18-year-old Iraqi national was arrested later after allegedly being in contact with the 19-year-old main suspect, but authorities said the third teenager was "not directly connected to the attack plans" but comes from the same social circle as the main suspect.

Officials said the 19-year-old had carried out "concrete preparatory actions" for the plot, adding chemicals and "technical devices" were found during a search of his home.

Austrian home secretary Gerhard Karner said the suspect was "clearly radicalised in the direction of the Islamic State (IS) and thinks it is right to kill infidels".

A blurred image of the man brandishing two large knives was shown at a news conference last Thursday.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (2)

Officials have confirmed no other suspects are being sought.

What police say about security at the Wembley gigs

Swift already played for three nights at Wembley in June. She has five more gigs to go at the stadium - on the 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th and 20th of August.

When asked about the Vienna terror plot and whether it would have an impact on the Wembley gigs, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told Sky News: "London plays host to a significant number of very high profile events each year with millions of visitors having a safe and enjoyable experience.

"The Met works closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place.

"There is nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London.

"As always, we will continue to keep any new information under careful review."

Sky News asked London Mayor Sadiq Khan about whether security plans had changed at Wembley due to the Vienna cancellations.

"We've got a huge amount of experience in policing these events. We are never complacent," Mr Khan said.

"Many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack."

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (3)

The mayor added police "work really closely, not just with City Hall and with councils, but also with those who host concerts".

"I'm sure Vienna has got its own reasons for deciding to cancel the Taylor Swift concerts," he continued. "We're going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the concerts can take place in London safely."

Policing minister Diana Johnson said Scotland Yard will look at "all the intelligence" before the London concerts.

"Clearly, the police will be looking at all the intelligence and making decisions - they risk assess every event that happens in this country, and that's something for the police," she told LBC Radio when asked about Swift's gigs.

"Can I also just say there is, of course, a commitment in our manifesto in the general election to introduce Martyn's law, which, again, is about making sure that those... venues which could be subject to terrorist attack have in place everything that they need in terms of keeping people safe, and that will be brought forward by the government shortly," Ms Johnson added.

How will police be approaching the London Swift concerts?

Nick Aldworth, a former counter-terrorism national coordinator, gave Sky News some insight into how the Vienna development will be monitored by UK authorities.

"Nationally, counter-terror policing will be trying to get information from their Austrian colleagues to understand the precise nature of the threat," he said.

"What were the drivers for it, was this a directed attack or an inspired attack? In essence, they will be trying to see if there is any residual or transnational threat that will be greater than their current threat assessment for these concerts, and the entertainment sector more broadly."

He said it is likely the operators of the venue would decide to call off or postpone the concert rather than the police, but that doing so would be seen "as an extreme response and one that is probably unnecessary providing that they can assure themselves that there is security at the events capable of preventing acts of terrorism".

Sky News reached out to Wembley Stadium for comment.

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Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (4)

Mr Aldworth says if he were overseeing the concert, he would be assessing whether or not his team were capable of detecting potential terrorist threats based on what is known about them so far.

"If the answer to that question is no, I would then need to understand why not, and what the gap is between that and being able to assure myself that I can keep people safe," he said.

He added they will need to weigh up the threat not just during the concert, but also before and after it, both at the stadium and outside of it.

Any security personnel working at Wembley "should be" equipped to deal with potential terror threats, he said, as licensed security officers are required to complete online counter-terrorism awareness training every three years.

"There are several parallels between Wembley and Manchester Arena, especially in terms of environmental layout and responsibilities sitting across different organisations who must work together to keep people safe," he explained.

He said all parties should now have "laser-sharp precision" in understanding how to work with each other after the Manchester bombing inquiry's conclusions last year.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (5)

Mr Aldworth said he faced the "exact scenario" current counter-terrorism bosses are now dealing with after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 - when he was head of counter-terrorism protective security in London.

"The O2 at Greenwich had a series of high-profile concerts scheduled within a few days of the bombing," he recalled.

"I was able to work with the O2's leadership to share the intelligence that they might need to make operational decisions, as well as offer supporting resources to keep the areas outside the concert space safe."

He said the O2 then looked at its own security plan and had "an extremely high degree of confidence" that it would detect and prevent terrorism on its premises, and therefore went ahead with the events.

Counter terrorism's guide to safety at gigs and festivals

Counter Terrorism Policing gives pointers to the public for staying safe at concerts.

Here is a summary of what they suggest:

  • Be patient with security checks and don't give security, staff or stewards a hard time
  • Don't bring unnecessary items to the event
  • If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to police or to security staff immediately
  • In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff - especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly
  • Don't leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare - and never agree to look after anyone else's bags
  • If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.

They add that it's important to "stay alert, but not alarmed," and that the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small.

But if it happens, they add, remind yourself of these key steps: "Run, hide, tell."

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (6)

What security measures does Wembley Stadium have in place?

A spokesperson for Wembley Stadium told Sky News extra ticket checks are in place for in and around the stadium, but that these are the same measures that were in place for Swift's first Eras shows at the venue in June.

Organisers have warned Swifties overnight camping is not allowed and urged them to only turn up at the stadium if they have tickets.

Security personnel at Wembley have a strict bag policy, limiting each person attending an event to one small bag, no bigger than an A4 size.

All bags are searched at an outer cordon of the stadium, and this can include an electronic wanding or pat down.

Security also has the right to search anyone and their belongings both outside or inside the stadium and can refuse entry or eject anyone refusing a search.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (7)

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There's a huge list of prohibited items, including:

  • Knives
  • Fireworks
  • Explosives
  • Smoke canisters
  • Aerosols
  • Air-Horns
  • Noisemakers
  • Flares
  • Weapons
  • Dangerous or hazardous items
  • Illegal substances and legal highs
  • Laser devices
  • Bottles
  • Glass vessels
  • Cans
  • Poles

Other security measures consist of what you would expect of all event venues, such as intolerance of violent or abusive behaviours, causing damage to equipment, throwing objects or obstructing walkways.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (11)

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Would notice be given if Swift's London gigs were cancelled?

Not necessarily, as Wembley Stadium has the right to cancel or reschedule events without giving notice to ticketholders.

Taylor Swift Wembley shows: Are the London concerts safe? (2024)
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