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Pop superstar Taylor Swift’s impending wedding to NFL player Travis Kelce appears to have drawn a host of famous faces to New York City, with preparations for the high-profile event now in full swing.
TV presenter Graham Norton and actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge were spotted arriving in the city ahead of the ceremony.
Norton was photographed at JFK Airport alongside his husband, Jono McLeod, dressed in a blue shirt and shorts, while Waller-Bridge opted for a black hoodie.
The nuptials are scheduled for Friday at Madison Square Garden, following a rehearsal dinner at the same venue on Thursday.
Inside the iconic arena, workers have been seen moving large props, including a grand piano, tree branches, and a substantial carpet, which was briefly unveiled outside an entrance before being removed.
Workers have been seen moving large props, including a grand piano, tree branches, and a substantial carpet (Getty)
“No parking” signs have appeared around the venue, and a fleet of forklift trucks and lorries have been seen loading equipment throughout the week, with one box notably labelled “40” mirrorball”.
Food deliveries have also been observed, with some items, such as one marked “garden party”, completely covered, and even delivery staff reportedly unaware of their contents. A forklift truck operator was also pictured wearing a Swift t-shirt while working on site.
The highly anticipated event was confirmed by an unnamed law enforcement official briefed on security plans, who informed the Associated Press (AP) of an expected influx of Swift’s dedicated fans, known as Swifties.
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New York City’s local government has offered minimal details regarding the wedding’s impact on local businesses and transport, particularly given the venue’s location above Penn Station.
During a press conference on Wednesday, mayor Zohran Mamdani, when questioned about the wedding, said: “We are fully prepared, there isn’t anything to share beyond that.”
He later hinted at the event in a social media post advising residents on the city’s heatwave, suggesting they stay cool, “especially if you’re (hypothetically) having your wedding at MSG this weekend”.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch also addressed the matter on Wednesday, remarking: “I would be remiss not to mention an event that we are tracking at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. The NYPD will, of course, have a detail in place, but I am not going to go into more specifics on that at this time.”
Madison Square Garden, with its guarded entrances, secure garage, and lack of windows, is expected to provide privacy for the couple (Reuters)
Madison Square Garden, with its guarded entrances, secure garage, and lack of windows, is expected to provide privacy for the couple and their guests, shielding them from photographers and drones.
This wedding is believed to be the first at MSG since funk star Sly Stone married actress Kathy Silva in 1974, though a mass marriage ceremony for over 2,000 couples also took place there in 1982.
July 4 coincides with US Independence Day, a national holiday known to be a favourite of Swift’s, who historically celebrates with large parties.
The couple announced their engagement in August via a joint Instagram post that playfully declared: “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married.”
Swift has previously referenced the tight end in her UK number one album, The Life Of A Showgirl, including the song “Opalite”, which alludes to his birthstone, opal.