Eight things I learned at the Eras Tour (and wish I hadn't worried about!)

29/06/2024

Taylor Swift might have cut Long Live from her Eras Tour setlist but Swifties at the first night of her run of shows in Dublin will be remembering this moment for years to come.

The singer blew the audience away during the more than three-hour-long spectacle and even she seemed impressed with the amount of singing and screaming, telling us the crowd deserved an award for their performance.

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While the Eras Tour was a long time coming and the hype around the record-breaking shows seems never-ending (and rightly so), there were a few lessons I learned while in the 50,000-strong audience on Friday...

eight things i learned at the eras tour (and wish i hadn't worried about!)

Bryony at the Eras Tour night one in Dublin. Pic: Supplied

Friendship bracelets

While I've no regrets about going prepared and making bracelets for the concert, there was no need to have spent so many hours doing so or worrying about having enough.

I only swapped with one person and although plenty of people were wearing beaded bracelets spelling out Taylor's songs lots of fans seemed to be using them as accessories more than as swaps.

If you want to take part in the swapping then be loud about it and approach people wearing bracelets to ask if they are as well - they'll more than likely say yes.

Getting hold of merch

Taylor Swift performs at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Pic: Charles McQuillan/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

The Taylor Swift merch stand is almost as well TikToked as the Eras Tour itself and because of the 3Arena playing host to the merch selection over the weekend, I wasn't sure if there'd even be a stand at the Aviva.

Spoiler alert, there was a couple dotted around the stadium's grounds. They were smaller and the queues might get busy if you don't plan enough time but don't worry if you can't make it over to the 3Arena, you still have a chance to buy a T-shirt!

That being said, I'm glad I visited the official merch setup on Thursday as it meant I didn't have to hold a carrier bag or hoodie all night in the Aviva.

Having a good view

Taylor Swift during Cruel Summer during the Eras Tour night one in Dublin. Pic: Supplied

This is a concern for many at concerts and especially for us at the Eras Tour as we had standing tickets and weren't sure of the view situation.

We needn't have worried though as everyone was very polite on the floor and happy to move around a little so everyone could see the stage and the big screen. It also helps that Taylor's Eras Tour stage setup is HUGE so even if you can't see everything, you're going to get a good view of some of the songs.

If you have a favourite Era or know you want to get a good video of a specific moment then I'd recommend doing your research on which part of the stage she sings that. For example, the surprise songs are performed at the end of the long runway.

What shoes to wear

Bryony at the Eras Tour night one in Dublin. Pic: Supplied

There has been plenty of back and forth in my WhatsApp chats over Eras Tour-appropriate shoes and I wish I hadn't worried so much about it.

In the end, I decided to suck it up and wear the cowboy boots, along with heavy-duty plasters and two pairs of socks, because they matched my outfit better (which I know isn't the best of reasons!).

Yes, my feet were killing me by the end of the night but whose wouldn't be after six hours walking, standing, and shaking it off?

Long queues and timings

Taylor Swift performs at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Pic: Charles McQuillan/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Before going to the Aviva on Friday we'd had many chats about what time we should get there and how to avoid the queues. I wish we hadn't overthought it.

We arrived at around 5pm and by 5.30pm were inside the stadium finding ourselves a spot to stand in. All of the queues for the different ticket types were clear to see and the stadium staff kept us moving along.

Paramore came on stage just after 6pm and Taylor started at 7.15pm so we had the perfect amount of time to soak up the atmosphere and take pictures before the screaming well and truly got going.

Put away your phone

Bryony at the Eras Tour night one in Dublin. Pic: Supplied

I know it's hard, especially after all the hype and anticipation to see Taylor in real life at the Eras Tour but one of the biggest lessons I learned on Friday was to put the phone away and just watch.

Some of the best memories made were when we were dancing around and singing along, soaking up the extravagance of it all. And it's not like there isn't other chances to record, you're three hours to get a video after all!

Knowing all the words

Taylor Swift performs at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. Pic: Charles McQuillan/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

Anyone else been revising Taylor's albums over recent weeks? Although I've been a Swiftie for many years and know her older records off by heart, I wouldn't be so well-versed in the newer releases.

That didn't matter though as I still managed to have the best time and it's not like anyone else is watching you to check you're following the lyrics!

Picking an Eras Tour outfit

Just like with the shoes, there were plenty of deliberations over what to wear and which Eras to dress up as. There was no need to worry though as the variety of looks at the Eras Tour was huge.

Some people kept it simple in jeans and a Taylor-themed T-shirt and others went all out in handmade Bejeweled 'fits. Don't overthink it, just have fun and go in something you are comfortable wearing!