Liverpool is buzzing with excitement as the city transforms into “Taylor Town” in honor of Taylor Swift’s upcoming concerts. From June 13, Swifties and visitors alike can explore a series of album-inspired art installations throughout the city, even if they couldn’t score tickets to her Anfield Stadium shows.
Discover the Taylor Town Trail
Liverpool City Council has launched the Taylor Town Trail, a unique public art initiative featuring 11 interactive installations inspired by each of Taylor Swift’s “eras” or albums. This self-guided walking tour, complete with a map, invites fans to discover the magic of Swift’s music in some of Liverpool’s most iconic locations.
Interactive Art Installations
Each installation is a creative homage to Swift’s albums, crafted by local artists and studios including Catherine Rogers, Anna Mulhearn, Buy By Bethan, and Submarine Studios. Highlights include:
- Folklore Piano: A playable, moss-covered piano at The Bluecoat, reminiscent of Swift’s “Cardigan” music video.
- Tortured Poets Department Mural: A sepia-toned collage at Liverpool ONE, capturing the essence of her double album released on April 19, 2024.
- Butterfly Installation: A 7ft-high butterfly at the Royal Albert Dock, inspired by Swift’s debut album, perfect for fan photos.
- Midnights Clock: A giant, climbable clock at Lime Street Station, symbolizing the “Midnights” album.
Enhancing the Liverpool Experience
The Taylor Town Trail is part of Liverpool’s broader “Liverpool loves…” campaign, which aims to celebrate and support local businesses, artists, and the community. According to Claire McColgan, Liverpool City Council’s Director for Culture, “The Taylor Town Trail is going to put Swifties in pure pop heaven. Even if you haven’t got a ticket to one of the concerts, it’s just going to be an unforgettable experience.”
Local Artistic Talent
This project, in collaboration with Make CIC, a local social enterprise, showcases Liverpool’s vibrant artistic community. Make CIC’s co-founder, Kirsten Little, emphasized the importance of supporting local talent: “This project highlights the incredible artistic talent within Liverpool and emphasises our commitment to supporting local makers. By integrating their work into these high-profile events, we are not only enhancing the visibility of these artists but also bolstering our local economy.”
Economic Impact
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is making waves not just in the music industry but also in the local economy. With Eras being the most lucrative tour in concert history, it is projected to boost UK spending by nearly £1 billion this year. The Taylor Town Trail and other Swift-related activities are expected to draw thousands of visitors, providing a significant economic boost to Liverpool.
Additional Swift-Themed Activities
Beyond the art installations, local businesses are offering various Swift-themed experiences. From drag brunches to craft workshops and pre-concert parties, there’s something for every fan to enjoy. Philippa Horrocks, Special Project Manager at Culture Liverpool, expressed her excitement about the project: “Seeing how it’s come to life, it looks amazing. My favorite era for Taylor Swift is 1989, and the installation we’re doing for 1989 is really impressive.”
Visit Taylor Town
To explore all the Swift-related events and installations, visit the “Welcome to Taylor Town” page on the Visit Liverpool website. This initiative is part of Liverpool’s ongoing effort to celebrate its unique culture and vibrant community through crowd-drawing events.
For the latest updates on Taylor Swift’s concerts and the Taylor Town Trail, stay tuned to our website. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of music, art, and community in the heart of Liverpool.
