Fans sitting on the floor and lower bowl levels of the stadium were asked to move inside after lightning struck just 10 kilometres away shortly before 6pm.

A statement from Accor Stadium issued just before 6pm told concert-goers the three-hour show had been delayed.

‘Please note, due to weather, show start time has been delayed,’ it said.

‘Stay undercover until further notice and follow venue screens and staff instructions.

‘Stay safe and remember to be kind to those around you.’

Swift took to the stage at about 7.50pm, while her support act Sabrina Carpenter was axed for Friday night’s performance.Carpenter was due to begin at 6.20pm and Swift was supposed to start at 7.30pm.

‘We have a little bit of a weather situation, we might have some rain, but I’ve never known an Aussie crowd to let that get in the way of having a good time,’ Taylor told her fans once she began her performance.

A man’s voice was earlier heard on a loudspeaker at the stadium telling fans that lightning had struck 10kms away and ticket holders needed to evacuate.

A stream of concert-goers, most wearing plastic rain ponchos, were seen moving to undercover areas of the stadium following the announcement.

Accor Stadium had said the show will run unless there is ‘severe weather which could impact the safety of artists and patrons’.