Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras tour made its way to Cardiff, and I was fortunate enough to be among the enthusiastic fans experiencing a performance like no other. Having attended numerous events at the Principality Stadium, I can confidently say the staging of this concert was the most impressive I’ve ever witnessed.

Even those seated in restricted-view areas were treated to excellent visuals, thanks to strategically placed TV screens—something notably absent from Beyoncé’s previous tour, where I felt I missed out on key moments. Swift’s fans, known as Swifties, also stood out as the most courteous concertgoers I’ve encountered. From teenagers to groups of men, everyone danced together, ensuring personal space was respected.

In a rare sight at a concert, I noticed as many people holding coffee cups as those holding glasses of wine. With a three-hour set and tickets priced at a premium, it was clear that no one wanted to risk missing a single second of the show.

I came prepared for the atmosphere—after a sticky situation with new trainers at Pink’s concert the week before, I chose to wear an older pair of Converse, expecting some mess. However, it was unnecessary. Far more bags filled with Taylor Swift merchandise dotted the stadium floor than discarded beer cups. In fact, the place was so clean you could easily dance without worrying about your surroundings. Credit must go to the stadium staff, who were diligent in clearing away any debris.

While having a great view and respectful fans made for a brilliant show, there were two surprises I hadn’t anticipated. First, no amount of viewing Swift’s performances on Disney+—and believe me, I’ve watched plenty—could prepare me for her presence in real life.

For those who couldn’t secure tickets, I’m sorry to say that Taylor Swift in person is even more phenomenal than you could imagine. She owned the stage like a glittering deity, dazzling in her sparkling outfit that made it seem as though you were in the presence of a celestial being. She was impossible to look away from.

Though her image seems to be everywhere these days, nothing compares to seeing Taylor in person. She is undeniably beautiful and possesses an infectious charisma. Her attempts to speak Welsh were predictably well-received, but it was clear that this tour is far more than just a meticulously planned event—it’s a heartfelt experience.

Those who have followed her journey since her teenage years adore her relatable, “girl-next-door” persona, but in Cardiff, we saw a different side of Taylor—a self-assured, empowered woman who dominated the stage with extraordinary presence. It was like witnessing Beatlemania. I recently watched the Elvis biopic, and seeing the hysteria of fans in the 1950s, involuntarily screaming and fainting, I now understand what that felt like.

This concert might be the closest I’ll ever get to experiencing something like that firsthand, and that’s saying something—I lived through the height of Take That in the 2000s. With just a glance in one direction, Taylor sent sections of the crowd into wild screams. I even saw a few fans fainting, though whether it was from her presence or the exhaustion of standing in queues for hours, I can’t say for sure.

It’s no secret that Swifties are among the most dedicated fans, and this was evident from the hundreds who gathered outside the stadium without tickets, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol. This kind of devotion is virtually unheard of.

The second thing that caught me off guard was the sheer volume of the crowd. At one point, even Taylor herself was left speechless. After performing Champagne Problems, the audience erupted in a roar that continued for well over a minute. Taylor, visibly moved, removed her earpiece, amazed by the overwhelming reaction. It was so loud that it was physically painful at times. But then again, Wales is renowned for its powerful voices.

If you’re lucky enough to have tickets to an upcoming date on Taylor’s Eras tour, I’d recommend wearing your comfiest trainers and bringing ear protection for the younger ones. People will undoubtedly tell you that you’re in for an extraordinary show—but trust me, you have no idea how incredible it truly is.