New initiative launched to boost fan confidence ahead of Taylor Swift UK ‘Eras’ tour

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A new initiative created to help boost fan confidence for those who are going to gigs alone has been launched ahead of Taylor Swift ‘Eras’ tour.

Created by viagogo, their first ‘Solo Socials’ event ahead of Swift’s Eras Tour shows in London – and her series of UK shows throughout June and August with support from Paramore, is designed to both boost confidence and bring like-minded fans together in an effort to help them gain confidence in attending a gig on their own and make memories before the tour. Neither Swift nor her team are involved with the venture.

The free Viagogo ‘Solo Socials’ event aimed at Swift fans will be hosted by drag queens Margo Marshall and Vicki Vivacious (from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK) and will conduct a series of games, quizzes, and performances throughout the night.

Fans will be treated to a complimentary cocktail, friendship-bracelets and food, alongside a line-up of music, entertainment and comedy.

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 22 at Mrs Riot in Covent Garden, central London. Click here to book free tickets to the event. A limited amount of tickets will also be available to walk-ins on the night.

Viagogo’s ‘Solo Socials’ events were created after the data from a survey of 2,000 gig-going Brits commissioned by the ticketing company revealed that fans would rather miss out on attending major concerts than go on their own due to the anxiety of attending alone.

As per a press release, the data revealed that 24 per cent of fans said they lacked confidence in their own company with another 24 percent adding they wouldn’t feel safe. Twenty-two per cent of fans said that they felt ‘far too anxious’ to attend solo.

One in five (17 per cent) confessed to feeling uneasy about travelling alone to a show, while a further one in seven (13 per cent) said they’d feel ‘judged’ by others for enjoying an act by themselves.

Candy Fortescue, Head of Supply And International Ticketing for viagogo said: “From travelling solo, dining solo to dancing solo – the solo revolution is officially here. We’re witnessing a global trend where music fans are increasingly drawn to experiencing concerts by themselves, so they never have to compromise on seeing the acts they love. The data shows that while fans want to revel in their freedom, over a fifth (23 per cent) of the nation just want a chance to meet other like-minded gig-goers.”

‌She continued: “To play our part and inspire fan confidence before one of the decade’s biggest tours, we’ve created the first ‘Solo Socials’ event, complete with a doctor-approved, solo gig-going guide. With our help, we want more gig-lovers to create unforgettable experiences they can carry with them forever.”

The ticketing platform has also teamed up with an NHS doctor and gig-going aficionado, to share her expert tips and tricks to empower fans before one of Swift’s eight big nights at Wembley.

Dr Ally Jaffee said: “Taylor Swift fans are some of the most passionate in the world, yet the thought of many not going to see the superstar live as they’re worried about being on their own just didn’t sit right with me. Feeling nervous in a big, new environment is natural, studies show that your cortisol levels will begin to spike. However, as the viagogo study shows, leaving your comfort zone can be liberating! Almost two in five (38%) fans noted a rise in self-confidence after their first solo gig – and that could be you.

“To help more fans, I’ve pulled together seven top-tips in an easy acronym for any Swifties heading to Wembley by themselves. They could be the difference between sitting at home and getting FOMO or having the best night of your life”.

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