Taylor Swift concert promoter backflips on friendship bracelet rules
The Swift army has forced the hand of Frontier Touring, persuading the promoter company to change their rules on friendship bracelets at the popstar’s upcoming concerts.
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The Swift army has forced the hand of Frontier Touring, persuading the promoter company to change their rules on friendship bracelets at the popstar’s upcoming concerts.
Taylor Swift fans had been left fuming after Frontier Touring released its list of rules ahead of the Australian leg of the Era Tour.
Among the rules, which were released on Wednesday, were restrictions around friendship bracelets.
The promoter’s Facebook page received close to 4,000 comments; most of them calling for the touring company to consider a rule change.
After intense scrutiny, Frontier released a “clarifying tips” post, allowing Eras Tour goers to bring friendship bracelets into the venue, much to elated and relieved fans who has spend thousands on making their beaded creations.
In the post titled, “Swifties, we hear your questions,”
“Friendship Bracelets. CAN be in your single allowed bag, CANNOT be in their own separate bag, CANNOT be brought on carabiners, d-rings, shower curtain rings, or other (for safety reasons,” the post said.
For those in the know, Taylor Swift herself encourages fans “to make the friendship bracelets” in her song ‘You're on Your Own, Kid’ from her album Midnights.
Relieved fans took to social media to comment on the rule change.
“Thank you for this Frontier Touring!” one commenter said.
“Not Frontier Touring acting like we misunderstood by writing clarifying tips when in fact they backflipped cause they underestimated Swifties,” another said.
Initial comments below the original rule list were not so kind.
“This is ABSOLUTE rubbish Frontier. Not good enough at all, People have put months and months of effort and money into making these friendship bracelets how are they supposed to take them all on their arms,” one fan said.
“Please change the bracelet rule!! Why can’t we full out handbags up with bracelets? People have spent so much time and so much money on these bracelets. Please consider changing this rule. There’s nothing dangerous with putting bracelets in your handbag.
Many fans were also quick to point out how other legs of the tour did not limit the number of friendship bracelets allowed into the stadium.
“I don't understand, we are the only country that have had this rule, US was allowed to bring carabiners and Japan last night – ridiculous,” one commenter said.
As well as the friendship bracelet rule, fans questioned whether personal phone charges were allowed after Frontier listed on of the prohibited items as battery packs.
Under the Facebook page post, fans expressed their concern about the concert being over three hours and their phone running out of charge half way through.
“I’m coming from another county and if my phone dies at the show it could cause issues getting to my accommodation safely,” one commenter said.
“Come on Frontier, what happens if my phone dies and I need to get home by Uber, think about the safety there,” said another.
However, despite the confusion a spokesman from Frontier Touring confirmed that personal phone charges smaller than the size of a phone will be permitted in the venue. The new rules also
Portable phone chargers were also included in the updated rule list.
See below the full list of banned items, start times and what to bring to the Eras Tour starting on February 16 in Melbourne.
Eras Tour important information:
Set times:
– 4.30pm Gates
– 6.20pm Show starts
– Seats are all reserved – no need to line up early!
– Set times are a guide only and subject to change without notice
What to bring:
– Your ticket via Ticketek App ONLY. Head to Ticketek.com.au for information on accessing your ticket
– Friendship Bracelets are allowed to be brought into the venues but must be work on patrons’ arms – strictly no carabiners, d-rings, or other
– The right bag! One bag per person. Must be smaller than A4 size. Max 2 compartments. Does not need to be clear
Capturing your night:
– Smartphone filming is allowed
– No professional video or still photography cameras
– No iPads, GoPros, tripods, selfie-sticks or similar
– Drone use at/in/over venues strictly prohibited + will be policed
Do not bring:
– Large Signs. If you’re bringing signs, make sure they're smaller than 28cm x 45cm. No promotional/commercial/giveaway materials
– Large electronic devices including laptops, tablets, readers
– Audio recording devices
– Confetti or torn paper
– Clothing, costumes or personal effects that may impede the view of those around you
– Umbrellas, tents, camping chairs
– Aerosols e.g. deodorant, spray sunscreen, etc.
– Airhorns, instruments, speakers or audio disturbances
– Flashlights, lasers, or battery packs
– Prams or strollers
– Outside food or beverage. Food, beverages and free water will be available at the venue, don’t bring your own. You are permitted a sealed, clear, soft plastic water bottle – no larger than 600mL. No drink containers for floor ticket holders – cups will be provided
Please head to frntr.co/Taylor24FAQ for a full list of prohibited items
Clarifying tips:
Friendship Bracelets:
– CAN be in your single allowed bag
– CANNOT be in their own separate bag
– CANNOT be brought on carabiners, d-rings, shower curtain rings, or other (for safety reasons)
Portable Phone Chargers
– Are separate from battery packs and are allowed
– Please ensure they are smaller than the size of your phone
Water for Floor Ticket Holders:
– There will be ample water + refill stations available
– If you have medical accessibility needs please speak to Stadium staff
Sunscreen:
– Is allowed (and encouraged!) only aerosol forms are prohibited
Medical Exceptions:
– Apply per normal (e.g. dietary requirements, medical bags, etc.)
– Please see Stadium staff and bring relevant doctor letters to ease entry