Taylor Swift launches UK 'reputation' tour in Manchester

Swift released her critically acclaimed sixth album in November last year

Taylor Swift is setting out on the UK and Ireland leg of her massive world tour, in support of her latest album reputation, beginning with two nights at Manchester's Etihad Stadium.

The 10-time Grammy award winner announced six shows: at Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Croke Park in Dublin, and Wembley Stadium in London, taking place between 8 and 23 June.

So far the tour seems to have been a resounding success, with praise from critics and fans for the staging, choreography, and Swift's performances of songs from her six studio albums.

At one recent show in Chicago, the pop star shared a heartfelt moment with fans before performing her single “Delicate” - wearing a rainbow dress - which was dedicated to the LGBT+ community during Pride Month.

“It's very brave to be vulnerable about your feelings in any situation, but it's even more brave to be honest about your feelings and who you love when you know that it might be met with adversity from society,” she told her audience.

“This month and every month I want to send my love and respect to everybody who has been brave enough to be honest about how they feel, to live their lives as they are, as they feel they should be, as they identify.

“This is a month where I think we need to celebrate how far we've come, but I think we also need to acknowledge how far we have left to go. I want to send my love and respect to everybody who hasn't felt comfortable enough to come out yet... and may you do that on your own time and may we end up with a world where everyone can live and love equally and no one has to be afraid to say how they feel,” she continued.

Swift's acclaimed album reputation, topped the iTunes charts in 111 countries and debuted at no.1 on the Official UK Albums Charts.

With over 1.29 million copies in the US during its first week of release, Swift is currently the only artist in history to boast four records selling over one million copies in their first week, ahead of Adele who has three.

The Independent praised Swift's talent as a songwriter in its review of the album, along with producer Jack Antonoff's work on the record.

"One of Swift’s greatest talents as a songwriter is to encapsulate those small moments, often in a new relationship, that you as a listener cannot.

"Her skittishness on “Delicate”, about the danger of rushing into something, of sharing too much of yourself too soon with someone you’re still getting to know, is all too palpable as the beat switches up like a nervous heart. She can be fragile (“Dancing With Our Hands Tied”, or she can be bold (“only bought this dress/so you could take it off”). There are very few faults in her songwriting."

Follow Independent Culture on Facebook