National

Vancouver changes tune under Swift spell, with Gastown clock to chime 'Shake it Off'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 05 Dec, 2024 01:31 PM

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is changing many things in Vancouver, from the tune of Gastown's iconic clock to traffic patterns as thousands of fans pour into the city ahead of Friday's first show.

The City of Vancouver is warning of much slower traffic this weekend in the downtown core, not only because of Swift's three concerts, but because of other events and festivities.

The Gastown Steam Clock is in its Taylor era! 🎶 Playing Shake It Off every 15 minutes from now until Dec. 13. Don’t miss this iconic Taylor tribute in the heart of #Gastown! #SWIFTCOUVER @MyVancouver pic.twitter.com/DBPmHhpU6M
— mygastown (@gastown) December 5, 2024

There will be full closures of several major arteries around the BC Place concert venue between noon and midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, including West Georgia and Robson streets, Pacific Boulevard and the Cambie Bridge off-ramps near the site.

The city says in a statement that people need to plan for delays and should walk, bike, ride or take transit to and from the downtown.

🎶 Swifties, the Countdown Is On!

Taylor Swift’s Vancouver concerts are almost here & while downtown will be buzzing with excitement, it’s also important to plan ahead to navigate road closures & traffic disruptions.

Here’s everything you need to know ⬇️

🧵1/6 pic.twitter.com/pp7yVpEnYM
— City of Vancouver (@CityofVancouver) December 5, 2024

The steam clock in Gastown is also being brought in on the Swift action, and has been retuned for the first time to play her hit "Shake it Off" every 15 minutes, with a longer sequence on the hour, starting today through to Dec. 13, which is Swift's 35th birthday.

The idea started as an April Fools' Day joke earlier this year, but Walley Wargolet, with the Gastown Businesses Improvement Society, says they decided it would be a joyful way to be part of the Taylor Swift takeover of the city.

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