Central London witnessed a significant increase in footfall as Taylor Swift’s European tour rolled into Wembley Stadium. The rise in footfall of 4.5% week-on-week offered a glimpse of the enduring popularity of the pop star. Moreover, foot traffic was also up by 1.1% compared to the same day last year.
While Swift’s first concert at Wembley Stadium was responsible for the uptick in footfall, her return to the iconic venue for further shows on August 16, 17, 19, and 20 is expected to maintain the positive trend. These performances mark the last leg of her Eras tour, which previously drew massive crowds in June.
Interestingly, footfall in Greater London experienced an even higher surge of 10.5% week-on-week. However, it was down 1% year-on-year, suggesting that the overall foot traffic in the city is still recovering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic.
Delving into the specifics, office locations within Central London benefited the most from the boost in footfall. Yesterday, these areas witnessed a 5.1% rise week-on-week and a 4.4% rise year-on-year. This can be attributed to two key factors. Firstly, the gradual return of employees to offices following the peak summer season. Secondly, the influx of Taylor Swift fans descending upon London from all corners of the globe.
As the concert series unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how the footfall numbers continue to reflect the enduring appeal of Taylor Swift and the positive impact it brings to Central London. The excitement generated by her performances serves as a testament to the influential role music plays in attracting visitors and invigorating local economies.