Liverpool has revealed the full details of its bespoke “Taylor Town Trail” ahead of Taylor Swift‘s I The Eras Tour arriving in the city, from June 13-15 and Metquarter will host two installations as well as a series of ticketed craft workshops.
The team that helped deliver the best Eurovision in history has devised a unique Instagram-able experience based around 11 art installations to entertain the 150,000 plus “Swifties” who’ll be travelling to the city from across the world.
The American pop phenomenon will play a hat-trick of sold-out shows at Liverpool FC’s iconic Anfield stadium – the first being her 100th date of The Eras Tour – and the city is rolling out the red carpet for her fans, having “Taylored” an artist-led installation trail inspired by her record-breaking back catalogue of hits.
Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team has partnered up with creative social enterprise Make CIC and a whole host of artists and makers from across the Liverpool City Region to curate the installations.
From a 7-ft-high butterfly, a moss-covered baby grand piano, two impressive murals, a floral swing bench and a red room, the city is turning itself into a week-long Swiftie paradise to enjoy and explore.
As the latest event in the city’s ‘Liverpool Loves’ campaign, the aim is for the whole city to come alive for the gigs and show why Liverpool, which was recently voted the UK’s best large city break, is also the nation’s best major event city.
The Taylor Town Trail will be the centrepiece with each installation inspired by a different Taylor Swift era.
The trail will run from Saturday, 8 June to Sunday, 16 June and the full programme – which can be accessed on the Visit Liverpool website – is as follows:
- Artwork inspired by the ‘TAYLOR SWIFT’ era
This 7ft-high butterfly installation is inspired by Taylor Swift’s debut album. Take flight (and your photo!) in front of the giant wings reminiscent of where it all began.
Artists & Makers: Design Laser Play
Location: Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
Access Times: No restrictions
- Artwork inspired by the ‘FEARLESS’ era
This colourful mural, inspired by Taylor’s second era, is the perfect selfie backdrop. Immerse yourself in the Fearless theme and Taylor’s lucky number…
Artists & Makers: Molly Mural
Location: New Bird Street
Access Times: No restrictions
- Artwork inspired by the ‘SPEAK NOW’ era
Using the iconic lilac that defines this era, get your picture taken as if you are living the popstar life.
Artists & Makers: Mulberry Workshop and Quirky Design Co
Location: Metquarter Liverpool
Access Times: 8am – 10pm
- Artwork inspired by the ‘RED’ era
Giant red lips form the backdrop for this Taylor-themed red room. See how many easter eggs you can find from this era.
Artists & Makers: Anna Mulhearn and Mulberry Workshop
Location: Metquarter Liverpool
Access Times: 8am – 6pm
- Artwork inspired by the ‘1989’ era
Put your head in the clouds with this installation inspired by the 1989 (Taylor’s Version) album aesthetic. Take your picture-perfect polaroid amongst the hand-crafted seagulls.
Artists & Makers: Xyleia, Hannah Ng, Quirky Design Co and Submarine Studios
Location: Mann Island Atrium
Access Times: 7am – 11pm
- Artwork inspired by the ‘REPUTATION’ era
Take a seat in this regal throne and be surrounded by snakes & skulls inspired by Taylor’s sixth studio album.
Artists & Makers: Submarine Studios, Xyleia and Mulberry Workshop
Location: Liverpool ONE
Access Times: 8am-10pm
- Artwork inspired by the ‘LOVER’ era
Inspired by ‘You Need to Calm Down’, this installation inspires love & inclusivity with a candy cane dream of hearts, rainbows and maybe a pink flamingo or two.
Artists & Makers: Buy By Bethan and Quirky Design Co
Location: Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
Access Times: No restrictions
- Artwork inspired by the ‘folklore’ era
Take a seat at a replica of the iconic moss-covered grand piano that is part of the folklore era. Tickle the Ivories if you can, or sit and enjoy the tranquil setting.
Artists & Makers: Quirky Design Co
Location: The Bluecoat Garden
Access Times: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm
- Artwork inspired by the ‘evermore’ era
Autumnal florals will provide your backdrop on this beautiful swing bench, inspired by the themes of Folklore’s sister album.
Artists & Makers: Local Florist
Location: Liverpool ONE
Access Times: 8am-10pm
- Artwork inspired by the ‘MIDNIGHTS’ era
Take a seat inside the witching hour and see the world tick by as you take your Midnights inspired selfie.
Artists & Makers: Xyleia, Mulberry Workshop and Quirky Design Co
Location: Lime Street Station
Access Times: Monday – Saturday 4.30am – midnight, Sunday 7.30am – midnight
- Artwork inspired by the ‘THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT’ era
This giant black & white mural is made up of hidden nods to TTPD – how many can you spot?
Artists & Makers: Catherine Rogers
Location: Liverpool ONE
Access Times: 8am- 10pm
Alongside the trail, a series of ticketed craft workshops – called Liverpool Loves Taylor (Craft Version) – will also take place at Metquarter Liverpool. People will be invited to get creative with origami which will eventually form part of one of the installations, transform t-shirts in a session called Swif-tee Transformation, upcycle denim, make collages and decorate cupcakes – all inspired by Taylor Swift.
New dates and an additional Swiftie Friendship Bracelet Making workshop have been added due to popular demand.
Full details, workshop dates and ticket details can be found on Make CIC’s Eventbrite page. Please note, booking is essential.
Businesses and organisations across the city are getting involved in the Taylor action, including the University of Liverpool which is hosting a FREE Tay Day – a unique symposium for academics, students and fans to unpack the cultural phenomenon that is Taylor Swift. This sold-out event will include critical karaoke sessions, where researchers perform their findings to some of Taylor’s biggest hits and a series of interactive talks on subjects including her song lyrics, her award-winning albums and her place in feminism and the LGBTQ+ community.
To extend the warm Liverpool welcome, there will be a Liverpool Loves Taylor information stand in operation at Liverpool Lime Street Station from 13 – 15 June, 9am to 6pm. The team will be on hand to assist with any queries about what’s happening across the city and how to get to the concerts. An impressive Liverpool Loves Taylor banner has also been installed on the façade of St George’s Hall as an additional welcome for fans.
Businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved in the Liverpool Loves Taylor campaign. Submissions for related events, special offers and the Liverpool Loves Taylor marketing toolkit can be found here.
All events and offers will be linked on the Visit Liverpool website.