Taylor Swift will bring her long-awaited Eras tour to Cardiff tonight for one night only, and Swifties are Ready For It... as some began queuing outside the Principality Stadium at midnight.
It is the first time the global superstar has ever performed in Cardiff, and clearly it's the moment that fans have all been waiting for - as almost 100 fans were already waiting in line for the show by 5.30am this morning.
Excited Swifties have travelled from far and wide to enjoy the three-hour Eras tour extravaganza, with some early birds in the queue having even ventured over from the USA for tonight's show.
And while those already in line have a long day ahead of them, thankfully the sun is shining in Cardiff, with the Met Office predicting "a dry and fine day for most with plenty of sunny spells", with maximum temperatures of 21°C.
And those already outside the stadium can treat themselves to some Taylor Swift merchandise while they wait - as the official merch stand will be open outside Gates 1 and 6 of the Principality Stadium all day, from 10am until after the show.
Full road closures around the stadium will be in place from midday, with VIP early entry opening at 15.00, and the public gates opening at 16.00, ahead of a 17.45 show start time, as Paramore open the show.
And if you haven't yet grabbed yourself tickets for the Cardiff show tonight, there are still a limited number of seats up for grabs on resale sites such as viagogo and VividSeats - starting at £260 for restricted view seats, or £320 for a view of the stage, on viagogo, at the time of writing, and at £380 for a restricted view, or £415 for a seat with a view, on VividSeats.
Floor standing tickets are also still available, but will set you back anything from £370 on viagogo, or £510 on VividSeats.
And with tickets being so pricey, business insurance comparison site, Bionic, has urged concert-goers to ensure they have purchased ticket insurance, in case of instances such as serious illness, theft of tickets, traffic accidents, traffic or transportation delay, or severe weather.
A spokesperson for Bionic said: "Those who could be travelling quite a way to get to their event, or who may have an ongoing illness may find the additional cost for protection worth it, even just for peace of mind.
"However, remember that not all circ*mstances are covered under ticket insurance policies, so do your research on what you would be able to claim against before paying for a policy that might not meet your needs."
Costs for insurance cover varies, but is usually around 10 per cent of the ticket cost - meaning the more expensive the ticket, the more insurance is likely to cost. If you need to claim on insurance for missing your event, be sure to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.
For all the build-up to the big night in Cardiff tonight, as well as weather and travel reports, and fans' reactions, scroll down:
Sam Cook
Fans enjoy the end of the show outside the stadium
Among those listening to Taylor's final songs is Darcy Ayres and Megan Williams.
Reem Ahmed
Hundreds of people listen to concert outside the stadium
Hundreds of fans who couldn't get tickets for the stadium have gathered outside to listen. Even though the roof is shut, they're getting quite the show!
Fans on Fitzhamon Embankment
More fans on the bridge over the Taff
Swifties on Westgate Street
Reem Ahmed
Concert enters 1989 era
The concert has now entered Swift's 1989 era - her fifth studio album released in 2014.
She started off with Style, then Blank Space and has just moved onto Shake It Off.
And this is what she's wearing. Anybody else think those colours seem quite Welsh?!
Sam Cook
'This crowd is different'
After a huge reaction to Champagne Problems, Taylor says: "This crowd in Cardiff is one for the books. This crowd is different," looking visibly stunned. She adds: "You're another level!"
Sam Cook
Wild Welshies
The crowd went mad after Taylor sang Champagne Problems from her Evermore album. Welsh people truly love a bit of Tay Tay!
Sam Cook
More outfit changes
Taylor has worn several outfits throughout the show, each dependant on which era she is performing in. These include an elegant ball gown and a black and red leather catsuit.
Sam Cook
Taylor references the 'Welsh countryside'
Discussing her folklore era, Taylor says she imagined writing the songs in a place "like the Welsh countryside". She was sat at a mossy piano.
Sam Cook
Reviews from inside the stadium
"It is unlike any atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at a concert - or a sports match for that!", WalesOnline reporter Ben Summer said in a message during the show.
Another audience member said: "She really is incredible. Had this aura about her . When she looks at people they scream like Beatlemania/Elvis. A lot more interaction that you see on Disney+."
Sam Cook
Taylor fans won't take no for an answer
Whilst this live blog has been packed with updates from the concert itself, not everyone was lucky enough to get tickets for the Eras Tour. That didn't stop people though - and they camped out along the Embankment across the road from the Principality Stadium.
Swifties lined themselves up on Wood Street and on the bridge next to the stadium in the hope of listening to their favourite singer. The atmosphere outside the stadium was almost as electric as what was happening inside.
Karen Price
Pic power
One of our favourite Taylor pics so far - a powerful opening from Ms Swift which included a few words in Welsh and an incredible outfit.
Karen Price
'My favourite tour'
Taylor has just told Cardiff fans: "This tour is the favourite tour of my entire life. You're in the moment - it's magical for us up on stage when you show up like that."
Karen Price
Hat handover
The superstar has handed over her hat to a young fan after performing 22. She will definitely be the envy of her pals...
Sam Cook
'Croeso i'r daith Eras'
Taylor shows off some more of her Welsh language skills by saying,"Croeso i'r daith Eras".
Sam Cook
First outfit change from Tay Tay
Taylor looks glamorous in a sparkly black and gold-pinstripe suit.
Sam Cook
'Shwmae' from Taylor
The biggest singer in the world has clearly done her homework on the Welsh language. She introduced herself to fans by saying "shwmae".
Sam Cook
Taylor is on!
Taylor arrives on stage and says 'Hiya' in a Welsh accent. She subsequently starts singing Cruel Summer.
Sam Cook
Countdown to Taylor is on
Not long to go now...
Sam Cook
'Our biggest one yet!'
Hayley Williams from Paramore said during their set: “We love coming to Wales” and later added: “This feels like the biggest one yet."
Sam Cook
Westgate Street still looking busy
Crowds continue to head into the Principality Stadium ahead of Taylor's performance.
Sam Cook
Paramore snapped
Lead singer of Paramore pictured on stage at the Principality Stadium as support act for Taylor Swift.
Onlookers were loving the band, who are known for songs such as Still Into You and Hard Times.
Sam Cook
Fan are loving Paramore
Over on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, people at the concert have been sharing their thoughts about seeing Paramore. One person said: "Paramore is 13/10 as always," posting a picture of lead singer Hayley Williams.
Paramore is 13/10 as always #CardiffTSTheErasTour pic.twitter.com/CUA8kBduEs
— Kush |Edinburgh N3|Liverpool N3|Cardiff|London N1 (@kush07_) June 18, 2024
Reem Ahmed
Spare a thought for those who didn't manage to get a ticket
Some fans who didn’t get tickets for the concert are camping out around the stadium in the hope they’ll be able to hear the concert.
Steph McCaffrey, 35, her daughter Millie, 4, and her mother-in-law Sharon Oddy, 57, have come to the capital from Beddau and are sitting in Bute Park.
Sharon, who is a bookkeeper, said: “We couldn’t get tickets no matter how hard we tried, so we thought we’d come down and see if we can hear it.”
They aren’t sure if they’ll be able to hear the concert with the stadium roof shut - but they’re keeping their fingers crossed. “If we can hear it it’ll be a bonus…we’re not sure how soundproof it is with the roof shut. We’ll see,” said Sharon.
She added that it helps that so much footage of the Eras Tour has been posted online already.
You just see so much online, so you can visualise what the stage is going to be like, what she’s doing
The trio have been fans of Taylor got a couple of years, and listen to her albums when travelling. “I drove to Bedford yesterday and just had her music on for eight hours. [Milly] loves is as well,” said Steph.
They are still going to try to get last-minute tickets for her upcoming Wembley gigs. “I’ve even been looking at hospitality [tickets] but they’re over a grand each for Wembley. We’ll still look but we’ve just got to be careful [of scammers],” said Steph.
Sam Cook
Paramore are on now!
The Eras Tour begins with Paramore, who are supporting Tay Tay.
Paramore is an American rock band made up of lead singer Hayley Williams, lead guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zac Farro. The band has recently won a Grammy for their latest album This is Why and has an accolade of other recognitions for their impact on the music industry.
Sam Cook
Steph finally gets to see Taylor
We've long followed WalesOnline reporter Stephanie Colderick's journey to seeing Taylor Swift and it is my absolute pleasure to reveal that she is currently in the stadium. Last year, we uploaded a video showing how happy Steph, a self-confessed Swiftie, was to land tickets.
Steph's outfit this evening is inspired by the Reputation Era. Don't get that wrong though as, speaking from experience, she can get a little angry!
Sam Cook
Don't worry if you're standing
Inside the stadium they're giving out free cups of water for those standing. It's a chilled atmopshere as everyone sits waiting for the concert to begin.
Reem Ahmed
More amazing outfits
This is Joanne Blunt and and Izzy De Bono from Nottingham. It’s their first time seeing Taylor live and they’ve both handmade their outfits for the occasion. Joanne said: “All of my outfit is handmade. I finished hemming this at 2am this morning and then drive down from Nottingham. It’s inspired by the ME! music video, but I’ve changed the flowers - one for every album.”
Izzy said her outfit is inspired by Swift’s folklore album. “I’ve done the embroidery and bits myself, which I finished literally in the car on the way here.”
They said they are “edging towards” The Tortured Poets Department being their favourite album. “I’m just glad that we’re getting to see Tortured Poets live. If it had come out afterwards, I’d have been kicking myself."
Sam Cook
A closer look at the stage
Here's where all the action will be taking place. If you're in attendance, let us know in the comments.
Sam Cook
The stadium is starting to fill up
Swifties don't have much longer to wait to see their idol...
Sam Cook
Seven to eight hours in the making
Alex Hobbs, 29, has travelled from Guildford in Surrey to see Taylor in Cardiff tonight.
Explaining her outfit, she said: “It’s mainly inspired by the Lover’s era. I made it - i gemmed all of the stones on and stuck the butterflies on the back, as a little nod to Fearless and the other albums as well. I gemmed all the hearts, pearls and tassels. It took about seven or eight hours.”
Sam Cook
Shake It Off...
A very timely advert on Wood Street.
