Swifties gather in Vienna streets after concerts cancelled over apparent attack plot

The cancellationof three Taylor Swiftconcerts in Vienna over an apparent attack plot didn't stop the U.S. pop star's fans from taking to the city's streets to unite in celebration of her music.

Massive groups of Swifties gatheredThursday and shared friendship bracelets.

The bracelet trend became popular at Swift's concertsin response to hersong You're on Your Own, Kid from her 2022 album Midnights.

The lyrics, "So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it," led tofans creating and sharing bracelets with fellow concertgoers.

"Taylor Swift is an escape for me," Canadian Ariella Kimmelsaidin an interview with Canada Tonight. Kimmel was in Vienna to see Swift for a fourth time.

"It doesn't matter where you're from or what you believe ... you're all in this one place and singing the songs together."

And sing the fans did.In addition to trading bracelets, crowds took to the streets of Vienna to sing their favourite songs with one another.

Many fanshad dropped thousands of euroson travel and lodging in the Austrian capitalto attend the Eras Tour shows this week at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which sat empty Thursday morning.

In posts on the social media platform X, some fans have even tried to sell tickets for upcoming concerts in Londonto Swifties who missed the Vienna shows.CBC News has not been able to verify if any sales have been made.

Concert organizer Barracuda Music saidall tickets for the Vienna shows would be refunded. The same message was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift's official website.

Cancellations come after apparent attack plot foiled

Both suspects in theapparent plot to attack an event in the Vienna areaappeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda, Austrian authorities said Thursday.

During a raid of the main suspect's home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices that indicated "concrete preparatory acts," said Franz Ruf, director general for public security at the Ministry of the Interior.

Authorities said they also found Islamic State group and al-Qaeda material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the venue for the concerts, and was arrested by special police forces near the stadium.

Swift has not spoken publicly about the plot or cancelled shows.

Swift is still expected to performin five concerts at London's Wembley stadium between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.