Can I take the GIGSAK® into music festival arenas?

We all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be, hot and sunny one minute and then a cold wind or sudden downpour of rain. If there is one word to sum up the UK weather its UNPREDICTABLE!

We spend hours planning outdoor events and it's very annoying when the weather ruins it. Thankfully most of the time it just a quick shower and 30 minutes later it's all clear again. With GIGSAK® you don't need to worry, we keep warm and dry without the weather spoiling your festival fun!

Attending your favourite festival can be a lot of fun but there isn't really consistent policies in place across different festivals regarding taking outdoor blankets into festival performance arenas.

When sitting outside of performance arenas it seems quite acceptable to place your GIGSAK® on the ground and sit down. If it rains then GIGSAK® allows you to get inside and keep dry, being outside the performance arena you probably don’t have to worry about bothering someone's view or festival experience. Once inside the arena, then things start to get a little fuzzy.

Whether a particular item is allowed or banned from a festival is very festival-dependent, family-orientated festivals seem to be better than most. There does seem to be far more consistency however in other areas, namely the following are not allowed in most festival arenas:

Gazebos
Umbrellas (small and larger golf-like umbrellas)
Parasols
Sun tents

Obviously any object that obstructs someone's view of the performance stage is going to cause a problem. Generally, by the time headline acts are on stage people will be standing rather than sitting. So, although earlier in the day it may be acceptable to sit on your GIGSAK® on the ground in the performance arena, by the time the main headliner acts are due to perform it is likely you'll be folding up your GIGSAK® and placing it in its tote bag. Should you get cold however, don't forget to turn GIGSAK® inside out and wear it draped over your shoulders to keep you warm.

Festival Policies

As we've already said, most festivals do not permit gazebos, sun tents, parasols or umbrellas in the festival arenas as they may restrict other festivalgoers' views. Additionally, large objects taken into festival arenas could also present health and safety issues for exiting the arena in the event of an emergency.

We've looked at some of the popular UK festivals and summarised their policies below to show any banned items.

Our advice, to avoid disappointment please contact festival organisers to ensure your GIGSAK® will be allowed in festival arenas.

Please be respectful to other festivalgoers and avoid blocking views of performance stages at all times.

Glastonbury Festival

https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/information/advice/packing-list/

No explicit policy on whether blankets, or even umbrellas, can be taken into the main arena areas.

Reading & Leeds Festival

https://www.readingfestival.com/information-category/the-essentials

What you can and can't bring

There will be no receipts issued for any confiscated/surrendered items and they will not be available to collect after the festival.

You may be subject to more enhanced searches of bags and personal belongings. We request that you cooperate with any security requests and searches. Please pack light!

Please note, campfires and disposable BBQs are banned from both the campsite and the arena. For detailed guidance on camping stoves and fuels please see here.

This list is subject to change:

Chairs / Stools / Inflatable Loungers
Gazebos
Umbrellas – (inc. Golf Umbrellas)

Download Festival

https://downloadfestival.co.uk/things-you-can-cant-bring-to-download/

Things you can't bring to Download

Any items which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person
Camping Equipment
Gazebos
Golf Umbrellas
Rooftop Tents
Umbrellas

Slamdunk Festival

https://www.slamdunkfestival.com/termsandconditions

The Organisers take no responsibility for lost possessions &/or prohibited items. Prohibited items include:

Large umbrellas, parasols, tents, gazebos
Any chairs including collapsible, or any other item of furniture

Love Supreme Jazz Festival

https://lovesupremefestival.com/what-can-i-bring-2/

Chairs and ground blankets are not allowed in the Big Top Tents. They are permitted in the Main Stage Arena until 5pm. You will be able to return your chairs/blankets to your tent or car (please see our Re-Entry Policy above) or fold up and carry them. If you leave chairs/blankets unattended they will be removed.

We have had to implement this policy because the use of chairs and ground blankets disrupts the viewing experience of those standing around them and also presents a safety hazard.