German city receives 1,400 bids for ‘Swiftkirchen’ signs in auction

Authorities in the German city of Gelsenkirchen, which was temporarily renamed “Swiftkirchen” before US superstar Taylor Swift played three concerts there, has received about 1,400 bids for signs featuring the name.

The new name was one of a flurry of changes made for the concerts on July 17, 18 and 19. An auction was then held for 20 original “Swiftkirchen” signs.

The highest offer was 3,000 euros (£2,500) and the 20 highest bidders will be informed by email, a spokesman said, adding that a total sum will be announced once all payments have been received.

Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is on tour (Liam McBurney/PA)

The proceeds will go to a centre for girls, a food bank for children and a shelter for women in Gelsenkirchen.

Another “Swiftkirchen” sign is now on display at Germany’s museum of post-Second World War history in Bonn, the Haus der Geschichte.

Spectators film with their smartphones
Spectators film with their smartphones during singer Taylor Swift’s concert in the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen (Marius Becker/dpa via AP)

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –