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Swifties mark new album at morning listening party

Harriet Heywoodand
Jayne McCubbin,Norwich
News imageBBC A close-up of Taylor Swift. She is on a TV chat show and is smiling.BBC
Some fans in Norfolk were up at dawn to hear Swift's latest release

Fans of global pop icon Taylor Swift marked the release of her latest album at a themed breakfast and listening party.

From 07:00 BST on Friday, The Assembly House in Norwich welcomed dozens of Swifties eager to experience the singer-songwriter's 12th studio release - Life of a Showgirl - together.

Stacey Preston, co-director of the venue and a self-confessed "Swifty", who said she was inspired by the "happiness and joy" of the new songs, had set up menus around Swift's music, including "Eggs (Taylor's Version)".

Students at the University of East Anglia (UEA) also woke early - to stream the album from 05:00.

News imageEdd Smith/BBC Grace Mahon and Charles Murphy, are standing side by side in front of a large, detailed campus map. Grace is wearing glasses and a light-coloured hoodie, while Charles is dressed in a black jacket with a bright red scarf. The map behind them shows buildings and pathways, indicating their location within the university grounds. Grace has long blonde hair and Charles has shorter blonde hair.Edd Smith/BBC
Grace Mahon and Charles Murphy are president and vice president of the University of East Anglia's Taylor Swift Society

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Grace Mahon, president of the UEA's Taylor Swift Society, said the album was "definitely different to what people expected it to be".

"We did our first taster session and we sold 40 tickets, but 70 people turned up so we were packed out," she added.

Charles Murphy, the vice president, said he was "gagged" by the album's unexpected direction.

"People don't realise how much an artist can mean to you," he said.

"She has quite literally saved me in a way. Champagne Problems gave me a very heartfelt moment, it was so ethereal."

The society was planning a Taylor Swift-themed quiz night, with more than 200 attendees expected.

News imageA fan has embroidered her own light blue denim jacket with a series of colourful symbols, each representing one of Taylor Swift’s albums. The designs are stitched in vibrant thread and include a golden sun, red fern-like plant, a purple castle, red heart glasses, birds in flight, a brown boot, a pink snake, blue and grey lighter, and other motifs
Amy Kelly-Edwards had embroidered her own jacket with motifs for each of Taylor's albums

At The Assembly House, fans spoke live to BBC Breakfast about the new release and their love for Swift.

Amy Kelly-Edwards had embroidered her own denim jacket with colourful symbols representing each of Swift's albums.

The motifs included a golden sun, a red fern-like plant, a purple castle, red heart glasses, birds in flight, a brown boot, a pink snake, and a blue and grey lighter.

"It's just filled with so much love and joy and happiness," she said.

"I love it, she always produces something amazing."

The release comes after the 35-year-old was engaged to NFL star Travis Kelce. At 41 minutes it is the shortest album Swift has released since her debut in 2006.

Carmen Tyrrell, 26, said she had been a fan since she was 11.

"She's grown up with us," she said. "It's so exciting to see the next chapter of her life."

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