Taylor Swift fans flocked to York cinemas this weekend – for sell-out showings of her highly-anticipated tour film.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour premiered in cinemas on Friday (13 October).
Described as a ‘cultural phenomenon’, the immersive concert film is a must-see for all Swifties.
Cinemas in York were overrun by Taylor Swift fans. At Everyman York on Blossom Street there was a “really great atmosphere” on opening night.
YorkMix spoke with venue manager James Hall to find out more.
“It was a really good buzz,” said James. “Because we host all the screens, we were in there with the guests and chatting with them and everyone was really excited.
“There was loads of people getting dressed up and brought sparkly bits and Taylor Swift T-shirts and merch, which was great.
“We do a pre-film announcement where we give the guests a bit of a run through of what to expect, and say feel free to get up and dance.”
There was a concert-like atmosphere in the cinema screenings.
“With the raking of the seats and size of the screen – especially in our big Screen 1 – it almost feels like you were in a stadium looking down onto the concert itself.”
There were sold out screenings on the Friday and it was very busy over the weekend.
Fans were encouraged to attend the screenings dressed as their favourite Taylor Swift era and to bring friendship bracelets – which are both staples of attending an in-person live show on the tour.
Recorded during the US leg of her Eras Tour, the film features songs spanning her entire career.
The concert film had the highest tickets sales at the UK box office on its opening day, according to the boss of cinema chain Vue International.
Taylor Swift had previously broke the UK cinema record for the most tickets sold during the presale opening week for a music event. The title was previously held by BTS’ Permission To Dance film.
“The turnout has been great, we beat all of our forecasts,” said James.
Over the weekend, Everyman York had a team member going round with a Polaroid camera who was taking Polaroids of guests as keepsakes of the night.
At City Screen on Coney Street, they set up a ‘Taylor Swift Balloon Arch’ for fans to take pictures with.
If you didn’t catch the concert film over the weekend, don’t worry! It’s still showing at Everyman York, City Screen, Cineworld York, and Vue York.
Taylor will start the UK and Ireland leg of the tour next June in Edinburgh before she heads to cities including Liverpool, Cardiff, London and Dublin.