Taylor Swift: Gelsenkirchen transforms into Swiftkirchen for upcoming Eras tour
A German city near the Dutch border is buzzing with excitement as it renames itself “Swiftkirchen” in honor of the imminent arrival of Taylor Swift, along with her legion of enthusiastic fans.
The renowned music sensation is gearing up to perform three shows in Gelsenkirchen towards the end of this month, drawing massive crowds of Swifties to the city.
As anticipation builds for the concerts on 17, 18, and 19 July, the locals have embraced the new moniker as a festive tribute to the pop superstar.
A Teen’s Initiative
In a spirited gesture, a yellow street sign displaying the name “Swiftkirchen,” meaning “Swift’s Church,” was revealed recently. The idea was proposed by young Swiftie Aleshanee Westhoff, who put forth the suggestion to Gelsenkirchen’s mayor, Karin Welge, initiating a petition in support of the rename.
Mayor Welge commended the teenager for her innovative suggestion in a letter acknowledging the proposal.
City Makeover
Markus Schwardtmann, a spokesperson for the city, mentioned that numerous yellow signs adorned with a pink likeness of the pop icon have been strategically placed across the city center and other popular spots, gearing up for the influx of fans.
Once a stronghold of coal mining and now grappling with economic challenges, Gelsenkirchen is embracing this transformation as it gears up to host the global musical sensation.
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Gelsenkirchen is renowned for its football team Schalke and a vast stadium that sometimes hosts global performers like Swift.
Swift will be honored with a stone on the Gelsenkirchen Walk of Fame, joining local figures such as football coach Rudi Assauer and writer Ilse Kibgis. Additionally, the city will organize open-air karaoke parties during her concerts.
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If you need transportation to reach the concert, a “Taylor Swift streetcar” is already operational, as reported by dpa.
More surprises for fans are in the works and are being kept under wraps for now. Mr. Schwardtmann mentioned, “There will be numerous exciting surprises, big and small, awaiting the Swifties in Gelsenkirchen.”
All tickets for Swift’s concerts in Gelsenkirchen have been sold out. The shows will be held at the Veltins-Arena, with a capacity to accommodate up to 70,000 Swifties. Additional Eras Tour performances are scheduled for Hamburg and Munich.
