Can I take a backpack to the O2?

[TamanTun]

I'm a TA and am going with the school tomorrow for the Young Voices concert at the London O2. Does anyone know if backpacks are allowed, I have no info from the school and can see some info online about backpacks not being allowed. I'll need to take a few pairs of ear defenders for the kids, food etc and I'm worried I'm going to get my bag taken. I have a fairly small rucksack I can fit it all in but I don't want it taken away - has anyone been for this event before and know?

Depends. If you're a bloke and they like the look of you, you'll be fine, seemingly regardless of size of backpack. If you're me, carrying a small backpack, you'll be told to drop it at the bag store, meaning you miss the beginning of the concert.
It's a complete shambles, walked about 40 miles to the loo, another 15 to 'our' entrance to be told to go back to the beginning to drop my bag, then to be told we did have to go round to the marked entrance. Would NEVER go to YV again. Also, be aware it's about 30% kids singing and about 70% some shouty woman and random acts in between. Hated it.

Thanks, sounds horrendous. I'll take a couple of bags and see what the school say in the morning.

My school are also going tomorrow and they have definitely packed back packs. We are an SEN school and have to take loads to keep the kids calm during the day. It's such a long day for them so staff pack games, books etc to keep the kids entertained. We also,take first aid kits etc. It's the third year our school have gone and I'm pretty sure they took back packs previously so if it's changed we will be in trouble!

Sorry to hear you had such an awful time. It's one of the highlights of our school year! Staff and kids come back buzzing!

I am going to watch, as a parent tomorrow and we're directed to this: https://www.theo2.co.uk/visit-us/security

Hopefully they'll allow teachers to bring a bag... this guideline above may just be for audiences. My daughter needs a bag big enough to hold lunch, her choir words, snacks and a bottle so that will be bigger than A4 I think!

I have a pic of my daughter 2 years ago after she came out and she has her school rucksack on.

I know as a parent I had to take a small bag, maybe it's different if you are going in as part of it.

DS went last week. Had a ball. Plenty of the kids singing. There are some other acts but they interact with the kids and effectively let's them experience an arena show.
Parents had tight restriction on bags. DS took his school rucksack with spare jumper, two lunchboxes and two water bottles.
For kids and the adults with them the requirement is that the bag can go under their seat as they spend most of the day in the arena.
If it's not too late and you've not been before get the school to take a banner that can be hung/held so parents can spot their kids.
It will be a late night though. DS was a pain to get up the next morning