Fans of global pop icon Taylor Swift marked the release of her latest album at a themed breakfast and listening party.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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)”.<\/p>\n
Students at the University of East Anglia (UEA) also woke early – to stream the album from 05:00.<\/p>\n
Grace Mahon and Charles Murphy are president and vice president of the University of East Anglia’s Taylor Swift Society [Edd Smith\/BBC]<\/p>\n
Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk<\/a>, Grace Mahon, president of the UEA’s Taylor Swift Society, said the album was “definitely different to what people expected it to be”.<\/p>\n “We did our first taster session and we sold 40 tickets, but 70 people turned up so we were packed out,” she added.<\/p>\n Charles Murphy, the vice president, said he was “gagged” by the album’s unexpected direction.<\/p>\n “People don’t realise how much an artist can mean to you,” he said.<\/p>\n “She has quite literally saved me in a way. Champagne Problems gave me a very heartfelt moment, it was so ethereal.”<\/p>\n The society was planning a Taylor Swift-themed quiz night, with more than 200 attendees expected.<\/p>\n Amy Kelly-Edwards had embroidered her own jacket with motifs for each of Taylor’s albums [BBC]<\/p>\n At The Assembly House, fans spoke live to BBC Breakfast<\/a> about the new release and their love for Swift.<\/p>\n Amy Kelly-Edwards had embroidered her own denim jacket with colourful symbols representing each of Swift’s albums.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “It’s just filled with so much love and joy and happiness,” she said.<\/p>\n “I love it, she always produces something amazing.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Carmen Tyrrell, 26, said she had been a fan since she was 11.<\/p>\n “She’s grown up with us,” she said. “It’s so exciting to see the next chapter of her life.”<\/p>\n Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
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