Are you allowed to take a backpack into a gig?

[SummersBreeze]

I'm due to go to a gig tomorrow night but I am working in the morning and I won't get a chance to go home.

I'm wondering, is one allowed to take a backpack into a gig or should I try and travel lighter for the day?

Yes but they’ll search it and you have to go through metal detectors these days. They’ll tip out any liquids.

But… backpacks at gigs are really annoying coz people barge past them and it tugs on your back.

Yes, I have recently - complete with laptop. They just searched it and asked me if I had any food or drink.

There’s usually a size limit for bags, especially if it’s a standing gig. Some venues have a cloakroom where you can leave bags though. Does it say on the website?

Last gig I went to it was a hand sized hand bag only. You had to pay for a locker for anything bigger. CHeck with the venue

Best to check on the website for the venue, as rules will vary between locations.

At the arena I went to a few weeks ago, it says:

^We ask that you keep personal belongings to a minimum and only bring your essentials.

You are permitted to bring small bags or handbags no larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm. Please do not bring any backpacks or large bags, as these will not be allowed into the arena. There will be no temporary storage facilities for such items within the venue^

But unless you're going to the same place, it's best to check the rules for where you're going on the venue website.

Oh right! Hadn’t realised it was all so different. Best to check then. Have fun!

Thank you for all of your replies. I checked online on the venue but I can't see anything about a bag policy. My ticket is digital so it's not on that either. I am going to using my smaller bag for the day and I am packing it now instead of the morning. This may be a challenge. I'm an everything but the kitchen sink type of girl.

I will need to pack:
Water bottle
Lunch
Wallet
Charger
Book
Keys
Suncream (maybe)

Check that you didn't get sent that info via email.

The gig I went to last night had nothing on the venue's own website, but this was sent (5 days before the event) from Ticketmaster:

BAG POLICY

To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, we have implemented the following bag policy : we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12”x6”12” and/or small clutch bags (4’5” x 6.5”).

Although, I think they meant 4.5" x 6.5" 😆

Best bet is to check the venue website - I went to two gigs in the last month at big venues (arena and stadium). One said no backpacks explicitly and the other said preferably no bags and if any then no bigger than A4 paper size. Both venues did bag searches on entrance.

Should add like pp's I also had emails sent to me with details or links to bag policies before the events, maybe double check your inbox?

It depends on the venue, we were recently at wembley and small bags only and it specifically said no rucksacks, manchester arena had the same policy.

Which venue is it?

Bag no bigger than A4 paper size was rule I saw at a venue this week.

I’ve never known a venue let you bring a full water bottle in.