Devoted fans gathered in Norwich before sunrise to mark Taylor Swift’s 12th album release
Taylor Swift’s fans, the ever-dedicated Swifties, proved their devotion once again, waking at the crack of dawn to celebrate the release of her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.
In Norwich, dozens of bleary-eyed but beaming fans streamed into The Assembly House from 07:00 BST on Friday morning, armed with friendship bracelets, lyric tees, and a shared sense of anticipation.
The historic venue had been transformed into a pastel-hued tribute to the pop megastar, with Swift’s latest hits playing over breakfast. Co-director Stacey Preston, a self-confessed lifelong fan, organised the event after being swept up in the album’s euphoric tone.
“It’s filled with happiness and joy,” she said, grinning as guests tucked into themed dishes like Eggs (Taylor’s Version) and Cornelia Street Pancakes. “You can’t help but smile listening to it. This album feels like Taylor’s love letter to herself.”
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The record — Swift’s first since The Tortured Poets Department– dropped at midnight in the UK, but that didn’t stop fans from finding inventive ways to celebrate together. At the University of East Anglia, students in the Taylor Swift Society held a dawn listening session from 05:00, where attendance far exceeded expectations.
“We sold 40 tickets but 70 people showed up,” said society president Grace Mahon, laughing. “It was chaos, but the best kind. Everyone was singing along before the sun even came up.”
Her vice president, Charles Murphy, admitted he was “gagged” by the new album’s direction. “It’s completely different to what anyone expected,” he told BBC Radio Norfolk. “Taylor always reinvents herself. This time, it’s pure spectacle — glamorous, dramatic, joyful.”
Murphy, who credits Swift’s music with helping him through difficult times, said her songs have become “a soundtrack to survival” for many fans. “People don’t realise how much an artist can mean to you,” he said. “Champagne Problems gave me a moment I’ll never forget. Taylor has this ability to connect with your soul.”
The UEA society has already planned a Swift-themed quiz night to continue the celebrations, with more than 200 fans expected to attend.
At The Assembly House, fans arrived dressed in outfits inspired by Swift’s various eras, from Red’s heart-shaped sunglasses to Reputation’s sequinned snakes. Amy Kelly-Edwards, one of the most devoted attendees, showed off a hand-embroidered denim jacket adorned with colourful motifs for each of Swift’s albums — a golden sun, a purple castle, red glasses, flying birds, and even a pink snake.
“I made this jacket to celebrate everything she’s given us,” she explained. “Her music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. This album just radiates love and joy.”
The mood at the breakfast party was electric, with spontaneous sing-alongs breaking out between bites of croissants and sips of coffee. For many, it wasn’t just a listening party — it was a communal moment of belonging.
“I’ve been a fan since I was 11,” said Carmen Tyrrell, now 26. “We’ve grown up with her. Every album marks a new chapter in her life, and in ours.”
Swift, now 35, recorded The Life of a Showgirl during her record-shattering Eras Tour, a glittering celebration of her two-decade career. The album, at just 41 minutes long, is her shortest since her 2006 debut — but fans say it’s packed with vibrant, feel-good energy.
As morning light streamed through the windows of The Assembly House, fans clinked coffee cups and sang along to Swift’s latest melodies. For them, the early start was more than worth it.
As one attendee put it, “If Taylor’s up, so are we.”