Music - In honor of Taylor Swift: Gelsenkirchen becomes "Swiftkirchen"
The city of Gelsenkirchen will be the venue for Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" in July, and in honor of the musician, the Ruhr region city will give itself a new name. In preparation for the three concerts of the singer, the city received a new sign with the title "Swiftkirchen". Thousands of fans of the musician are expected in the city for shows on July 17, 18, and 19.
The sign was unveiled by Swift fan Aleshanee Westhoff from Emmerich. The student had started a petition a few weeks ago and suggested the name. Mayor Karin Welge responded with a thank-you letter and wrote: "What a great idea, Gelsenkirchen temporarily renaming itself 'Swiftkirchen'."
More surprises planned
City spokesperson Markus Schwardtmann announced that several more street signs "at highly frequented locations in Gelsenkirchen" would follow in the coming days.
The city has prepared more for the fans, according to its own statements: A "Taylor-Swift-Tram" of Bogestra is already in operation. In the Gelsenkirchen district of Buer, the US singer is also expected to receive a star on the Walk of Fame, alongside local legends like Schalke football legend Rudi Assauer and author Ilse Kibgis. Around the concerts, Gelsenkirchen invites to the open-air party "Taylor Town" with karaoke in the city center.
Further actions are planned to remain a secret for now. "There will be many small and large surprises, so that Swifties in Gelsenkirchen have a lot to discover," Schwardtmann shared.
Swift's concerts in Gelsenkirchen mark the start of the German leg of the "Eras Tour". The sold-out shows will take place in the Veltins-Arena on Schalke, with up to 70,000 fans, or "Swifties", expected per evening. Further shows are scheduled in Hamburg and Munich.
- The decision to rename Gelsenkirchen to "Swiftkirchen" during Taylor Swift's concert era is a significant event in the society of North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Germany's Ruhr region city, Gelsenkirchen, has been buzzing with excitement since the announcement of Taylor Swift's concert plans, attracting attention from music lovers across Europe.
- Apart from the sign unveiling and concert preparations, the city of Gelsenkirchen is also planning to install several colorful street signs at highly frequented locations, adding to the festive atmosphere.
- In addition to the "Taylor-Swift-Tram" and the Walk of Fame star, Taylor Swift fan events in popular locations like the city center's karaoke "Taylor Town" are attracting buzz amongst the local people and her devoted fanbase, known as 'Swifties'.
- With multiple cities in Germany set to host Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour", including Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, and Munich, music fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating her vibrant and colorful performances.
