The University of Liverpool welcomed hundreds of Swifties to campus for Tay Day: Liverpool’s version.
On Wednesday 12 June, the University’s Institute of Popular Music hosted a free event for a lively discussion of all things related to Taylor Swift’s Eras. From feline fandom to namesake millipedes, musical borrowing to how to write a Taylor Swift jukebox musical, a huge range of Swift topics were discussed.
Fan arrived in their droves, with many dressed to impress with a sea of sequins and sparkle to represent their love for the pop star, who performs her first concert at Anfield stadium tonight (Thursday 13 June).
Academics, students and Swifties from across the world came together for this free event in the state-of-the-art Yoko Ono Lennon Centre. As well as academic discussion, friendship bracelets were traded, just like in the Eras Tour.
The day culminated in an enthralling session of critical karaoke where academics delivered powerful renditions of papers to their favourite Taylor Swift song.
Dr Sam Murray and Dr Amy Skjerseth from the Institute of Popular Music, who organised Tay Day said: “We were really pleased to be able to bring so many people together in a really positive space for fans to discuss the musical, economic and social phenomenon that is Taylor Swift.
“In our wildest dreams we didn’t think that we’d get so much interest in this event and we’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to come up to campus for Tay Day and ushering in the Liverpool leg of Taylor’s tour.”
Dr Sam Murray (left) and Dr Amy Skjerseth from the Institute of Popular Music
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- Taylor and Mark bring some sparkle
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- Janine, Taylor, and Jess
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- Participants discussed their favourite Era
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- Taking a swift selfie
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- Speakers brought new perspectives and discussion topics
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- Friendship bracelet making workshop
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- A rapt audience
The Institute of Popular Music was founded in 1988, making the University of Liverpool’s Department of Music the first in the UK to introduce a dedicated, specialist Institute for popular music studies and research.
Students in the Department of Music benefit from studying in a department well connected to the Liverpool music scene and with state-of-the-art teaching facilities in the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, where Tay Day took place.
For more information about Taylor Town in Liverpool City centre this weekend head to the Visit Liverpool website.
Original Ideas podcast
Would you like to hear more from Dr Sam Murray and Dr Amy Skjerseth?
Sam and Amy were recently interviewed about their research, teaching and Taylor Swift, on the University of Liverpool’s Original Ideas podcast.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts:
Episode 5: Popular Music
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple