Viagogo has launched a new scheme called ‘Solo Socials’ to provide confidence to concertgoers attending gigs on their own. The free event, conducted by drag queens, includes games, quizzes, performances, a limited amount of free food and cocktails, and is aimed at Taylor Swift fans attending her Eras Tour. The first event will be held on Wednesday, 22 May at Mrs Riot in Covent Garden, London. Viagogo created the initiative after studying a survey of 2,000 gig-going Brits that showed 24% lacked confidence in their own company, while 24% said they would not feel safe.
In addition, 22% said they would be too anxious to attend a gig alone, 17% said they would worry about travelling alone, and 13% said they would feel judged for attending a gig by themselves. Viagogo said it had teamed up with NHS doctor Ally Jaffee, who has provided seven tips for concert-goers planning to attend Swift’s eight-night run at Wembley stadium at the end of June, to aid those concerned about attending a gig solo. Candy Fortescue, Head of Supply And International Ticketing for viagogo, said the firm wanted to support people creating “unforgettable experiences they can carry with them forever”.
Swift’s UK shows run from June throughout August, with support from Paramore. Solo Social events are a response to a global trend for people to enjoy concerts alone, with data from viagogo revealing almost two in five fans reported a rise in self-confidence after their first solo gig. However, the survey also showed 23% of Britons wanted to meet other like-minded fans at gigs. It also follows warnings to ticket-sale sites to clean up their act, following a UK parliamentary report on the secondary-ticketing market
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