Guide

Unsure what you need to take to a gig or what you may or may not be allowed to take in to the venue? Our guide should help to make your gig-going experience enjoyable and stress-free!

Cameras

The policy for cameras can be tricky to work out because the information on the tickets can contradict information the venue will give you. It is increasingly common for all photography to be banned, particularly flash photography. Even if you manage to get a camera into the venue, security will be onto you as soon as you try to use it. However, camera phones are not confiscated so if you simply cannot do without a few photographs to remember the gig then you could try using your phone. Just be subtle about it!

Drinks

Long gigs really take it out of you and can leave you very dehydrated. Unfortunately venues know this and will charge excessively for drinks and snacks. The best thing you can do is try and leave a big bottle of water in your car (if you drove to the venue), and avoid things that will only dehydrate you further, like beer.

Clothing

Gigs can get very hot and sweaty so it is important that you wear appropriate lightweight clothes so that you do not suffer too much. Unfortunately, the way our country is, you will most likely freeze outside afterwards! The best approach is to take a number of layers that you can easily remove inside and then put them on again afterwards when you start to feel the cold.

Transport

Most of the big venues have very conveniently placed tube stations and taxi-ranks, but these will all be very busy before and after the gig. If you are driving but do not want to (or cannot get into) the expensive official parking, and you can put up with a 10 minute walk, you will generally find some roads where it is free to park (but make sure you check any signs about length of stay or needing a residents’ permit!)

Ticket Collection

If you are collecting tickets before the gig then be prepared for quite a queue. To speed up collection make sure you have the payment card you paid for the tickets with and your confirmation code handy when you get to the collection point. You may also need further identification if there is an age restriction for the venue.