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" in the city center. Ten thousands of Swift's fans, who are expected to gather around the shows on July 17, 18, and 19, will be welcomed by the sign.
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 to be renamed 'Swiftkirchen' for a while."
More surprises planned
City spokesman 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 neighborhood of Buer, the US singer is also expected to receive her own stone on the Walk of Fame, alongside local legends like Schalke soccer 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 should remain a secret for now. "There will be many small and big surprises, so that Swifties in Gelsenkirchen have a lot to discover," Schwardtmann shared.
Swift's concerts in Gelsenkirchen mark the beginning 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 so-called Swifties expected in the arena per night. Following shows are scheduled in Hamburg and Munich.
- Despite the excitement surrounding Taylor Swift's concerts in Gelsenkirchen, Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication ( SWIFT ) transactions in the North Rhine-Westphalia region will continue as usual, processing financial messages in various colorful codes.
- The news of Taylor Swift's concerts in Germany has reached people all across the globe, with her fans in Emmerich eagerly counting down the days until their favorite artist performs in their neighboring city, Gelsenkirchen.
- Taylor Swift's music has touched the hearts of people worldwide, and her fanbase, known as Swifties, spans across cities like Schalke and beyond.
- Following Taylor Swift's three concerts in the Veltins-Arena, her "Eras Tour" will continue to other major cities in Germany, including Hamburg and Munich, leaving a colorful trail of memories and unforgettable moments.
- Markus Schwardtmann, Gelsenkirchen's city spokesman, has hinted at more "small and big surprises" in store for Swifties, promising a thrilling and colorful experience that will supplement the already vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere surrounding the concerts.
