Christchurch resident and local footwear retailer marketing manager Cathryn Allwood was never a huge Swift fan, but in recent months that all changed. She made the trip to Melbourne and shared her review with Chris Lynch Media

Swiftie or not, you cannot escape the magnitude that is Taylor Swift in Melbourne as the city prepares for night one of her iconic ‘Eras Tour’. Her face lights up Flinders Street Station, the city is buzzing with excitement.

You cannot walk a block without seeing cowboy boots and sequins.

We have travelled from Ōtautahi, Christchurch after being lucky enough to get tickets 8 months ago.

The Ticketek box office on Exhibition Street is a block long in the hopes that additional restricted view seats will be released.

It’s Beatlemania resurrected.

Our hotel has set up a station for making friendship bracelets, a part of the Eras experience, fans exchange them as instructed to in the lyric ‘So make the friendship bracelets’ from the song ‘You’re on your own kid’.

The bead economy is surely thriving because of Taylor. Part of the hype of this tour is that Taylor has made an experience for her fans.

From trading friendship bracelets to dressing up in your favourite album ‘era’ there is an overwhelming sense of community and kindness.

We excitedly get ready, carefully assembling our outfits we have been crafting for months this moment.

Literally months…the team at Lincraft Bush Inn know me very well now.

We exit the hotel and follow the sequins to the MCG. We chat to fans from Auckland to Perth, Sydney to Ireland. It’s clear that this is going to be a night to be remembered and cherished for many.

The stadium is massive, in fact, this is the biggest show of Taylor’s career to date with an immense crowd of 96,000. There are hundreds of ‘Taylor gaters’ outside the stadium ready to sing and dance along. Despite the crowds, finding our seats is easy and people are kind and courteous. We make friends with our neighbours and trade bracelets.

The opening act Sabrina Carpenter delights us with her hits ‘nonsense’ and ‘feather’ skipping across the stage in platform boots. She replaces an outro to sing ‘aren’t you glad I know how to say Melbourne’. Which receives much approval from the locals.

Before we know it there is a countdown clock on the screen. Are we ready for it?

Taylor is here. For the next 3 and a half hours we are mesmerised. I am thankful for my loop earplugs and highly recommend them if you are attending the Eras Tour. The concert features a mix of songs from various ‘eras’ of Taylor’s albums, showcasing her evolution as an artist. The energy is infectious, her outfits are incredible. From the custom Louis Vuitton sparkly boots to sequin bodysuits by Versace and Oscar de la Renta it’s the stage show of a lifetime with no expenses spared.

Swift delivers a performance of true showmanship, enchanting us with her talent and stage presence. We are treated to two surprise songs performed acoustically. ‘Red’ on guitar and for the first time ever live, ‘You’re losing me’ on piano.

Swift shares her excitement for her next album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Due for release in April. An alternative album cover and bonus track are displayed on the screen and met with screams of excitement. 

The closing era and most recent album is ‘Midnights’, also my chosen outfit. The final song ‘Karma’ has everyone on their feet and before we know it, the show is over. An unbelievable evening we feel lucky to have been part of.

Cathryn Allwood