German city renamed after Taylor Swift ahead of Eras world tour

Taylor Swift's upcoming concerts in Gelsenkirchen have sparked an incredible buzz among her devoted fanbase, lovingly dubbed the Swifties. To celebrate the global pop sensation's visit, the city has cheekily transformed into ‘Swift-kirchen’ for a limited time. This lighthearted nod reflects the immense excitement building up to Taylor's three unforgettable Eras Tour shows scheduled later this month.

  

According to reports from the German news agency, dpa, the city's transformation includes the installation of a distinctive yellow sign bearing the new moniker "Swiftkirchen," which translates to "Swift's Church." This symbolic gesture was championed by Aleshanee Westhoff, a passionate Swift fan who initiated a petition and successfully pitched the idea to Gelsenkirchen's mayor, Karin Welge. The mayor expressed gratitude to Westhoff for her initiative in a letter accepting the proposal.

The Swiftie-themed signage, adorned with a pink portrait of the singer, now graces the city center. Additional signs will soon be erected at prominent locations across Gelsenkirchen, enhancing the festive atmosphere expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to the Eras Tour concerts on July 17, 18, and 19.

AP news

Gelsenkirchen, historically known as a former coal mining town and one of Germany's economically challenged cities has embraced this opportunity to showcase its cultural vibrancy. Beyond Taylor Swift's concerts at the renowned Veltins-Arena on Schalke stadium, the city plans to host open-air parties featuring karaoke performances. It has already introduced a "Taylor Swift streetcar" to further celebrate the occasion.

Moreover, Taylor Swift will be honored with a commemorative stone on the Gelsenkirchen Walk of Fame, alongside local luminaries such as soccer coach Rudi Assauer and writer Ilse Kibgis. Additional surprises for Swifties are in store, promising both large-scale events and intimate experiences throughout Swiftkirchen.

The excitement extends beyond Gelsenkirchen, with Swift's Eras Tour set to continue in other German cities like Hamburg and Munich following the sold-out shows in Swift-Kirchen. As anticipation builds, the city eagerly prepares to welcome fans from near and far, ensuring that Taylor Swift's visit will leave a lasting impression on both her followers and the city itself.