Ed Sheeran joins Taylor Swift on stage for London return after Southport heartbreak
Successful return comes amid heightened security measures
Your support helps us to tell the story
In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.
Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.
Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives
![Head shot of Kelly Rissman](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/kelly-rissman.png)
Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Ed Sheeran made a special appearance at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour as it made a triumphant return to London on Thursday (15 August) in a concert of high emotion.
The “A Team” singer joined Swift for the acoustic section of her performance as they sang two of their collaborations, “Everything Has Changed” and “Endgame”, before Sheeran broke out for a solo rendition of his hit “Thinking Out Loud”.
The “Cruel Summer” star teased the audience before bringing out the special guest, leading to deafening screams from the crowd.
Swift began her record-breaking London tour with the first of eight dates back in June, returning this month for a further five performances. The events are expected to bring a staggering £1bn to the UK economy.
But the return of the history-making solo residency came amid the heartbreak and horror of the deaths of three young fans in Southport, who were killed at a Swift-themed dance class.
Meanwhile, police arrested three teenagers for terrorism in Austria, foiling a plan to attack a concert venue where she was due to perform.
August shows in Vienna were cancelled, making Thursday’s Wembley concert the return of the Eras Tour to the stage. The pop star did not address either of the events, instead kicking things off by saying, “Oh hi London”, and admitting her “mind went blank” when she first greeted the crowd, comparing it to a “love system overload”.
The concert was subjected to an enhanced security protocol. Measures included the prohibiting of overnight camping, limits on bag size, and a ban on laptops, iPads, aerosols, umbrellas, glass or metal containers.
![Taylor Swift performs on stage with surprise guest Ed Sheeran as her Eras Tour concert returns to Wembley Stadium (Natasha Leake/PA)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/08/16/08/9b04f10106b0c5e76863af9cc5caeae6Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzIzODc5Mjky-2.77160469.jpg)
Additionally, ticketless supporters were unable to congregate outside the arena on show day, thwarting a usually common practice among fans known as “tay-gating”.
![Amazon Music logo](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/mobile-stores/Amazon_Music.png)
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
![Amazon Music logo](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/mobile-stores/Amazon_Music.png)
Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 30-day free trial
Data released by Barclays predicts that these shows will provide a £997m uplift for the UK, with spending by Swift ticket-holders more than 12 times higher than the average cost of a UK night out (£67).
![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/08/16/09/newFile-1.jpg)
She thanked the 92,000-strong audience for making the effort to attend, and will be back for four remaining dates at Wembley Stadium to round out the European leg of the tour which will pick up again in Toronto in November.
The enthusiasm of Swift’s fans and a set list that includes more than 40 songs from all phases of her career have helped make the Eras Tour the biggest revenue earner of all time.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.