Reading & Leeds 2023: List of banned items and what you should bring
21 August 2023, 12:15 | Updated: 21 August 2023, 16:03
Reading and Leeds organisers have shared their updated list of banned items ahead of the festivals and suggested some "sustainable swaps" for 2023.
By Jenny Mensah
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Reading and Leeds 2023is almost here, with the twin festivals set to take place as is customary across the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
This year's festivals - which are held at Reading's Richfield Avenue and Leeds' Bramham Park - will play host to Sam Fender,The Killers, Foals, Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons and The 1975 as headliners with many more joining them on the bill.
Organisers have refreshed their list of banned items plus suggested "sustainable swaps" for 2023. Find out what's banned from the festival and what they do suggest you bring to the event this year.
Disposable vapes - The festival warns attendees not to bring single-use or disposable vapes, adding: "they pollute the environment and incorrect disposal of these can be hazardous at waste centres."
Campfires and disposable BBQs - Both are no longer allowed anywhere at the festival, including the campsites.
Flares, blow torches, fireworks, pyrotechnics
Spray cans
Nitrous Oxide and any items associated with the taking of NPS and NOS (including but not limited to balloons, whipped cream dispensers, water crackers / CO2 dispensers)
Air horns and megaphones
Animals (other than registered hearing or guide dogs)
Catapults
Soundsystems (small mini speakers are allowed on campsite)
Chinese/sky lanterns or paper lanterns
Clothing and garments which promote cultural appropriation
Unofficial tabards and reflective jackets
Unauthorised professional film or recording equipment
Drones and other flying devices
Radios and walkie talkies
Lasers - portable equipment or pens
Knives or sharp cutlery and cooking equipment like can openers are not allowed unless you are camping
Flags - while they are allowed on the campsite, they are not welcome in the Arena
Excessive alcohol or food - while these are not banned from the campsite, festival-goers are warned not to take more than they would need for private consumption over the weekend, so it doesn't appear they are selling goods at the festival.
Selfie Sticks - While permitted at the campsite, they are banned from the arena
Flat based cooking stoves - Are only permitted in the campsite
Bags bigger than A4 in the Arena - Festival organisersstrongly advise attendees not to take a bag into the Arena as there will be long queues while all bags are searched. However, if you do wish to bring a bag into the Arena, make sure it's no bigger than A4 in size (8.27”x11.69). There is also a limit to one A4 sized bag per person.