Roundhay Festival 2026: The strict new bag policy and why your picnic blanket could be confiscated

As tens of thousands of music fans prepare to head to Roundhay Festival this weekend for Pitbull, Lewis Capaldi, and All Things Orchestral, festival organisers AEG Presents have issued a comprehensive list of security restrictions.

To ensure smooth entry and fast queue times, security teams will conduct thorough searches at all gates.

Please note that bringing the wrong items may result in confiscation without a refund, or you may be turned away at the gate.

Here are the major policy updates you need to know before you travel and avoid any dramas at the entrances.

Roundhay Festival 2026: What can you bring and what to leave at home this weekend

The big picnic blanket and seating rule change

While many look forward to lounging on the grass at Roundhay Park, organisers have issued a major update regarding seating. Friday and Saturday are strictly fully standing shows.

Chairs, stools, inflatable seats, and shooting sticks of any kind are completely banned from the arena.

Crucially, while picnic blankets are technically allowed onto the site on Friday and Saturday, you cannot use them to claim or reserve a spot.

Security teams and ground staff will be actively enforcing a strict "no picnic blanket zone" in high-density areas closer to the main stage to maintain crowd flow.

If you lay a blanket down in these zones, or if the arena becomes too busy, stewards have the authority to instruct you to pack it away immediately.

The only exception to the seating rule is Sunday’s All Things Orchestral show, where folding chairs and blankets are permitted, though fans must still follow steward guidance on where they can be placed.

Strict new bag policy and zero luggage storage

Organisers have explicitly updated their bag policy to ensure efficient security screening, stating that it is vastly preferable if attendees do not bring a bag at all.

If you must bring one, you are strictly limited to just one bag per person, and it cannot be larger than standard A4 paper size (297mm x 210mm x 210mm). Backpacks, large bags, suitcases, and luggage are entirely prohibited.

Because there are no cloakrooms or storage facilities on the festival site, anyone arriving with large luggage will be turned away.

Buggy advice for families

Parents are permitted to bring prams and buggies into the festival if necessary, but organisers have issued a strong warning about the site's geography.

Because the arena contains several steep hills, families pushing buggies are strongly advised to use the East Entrance for much easier access.

Furthermore, security warns that the areas closest to the Main Stage will be incredibly dense and heavily populated. For safety reasons, stewards may request that buggies be relocated out of these high-traffic areas into more spacious parts of the park.

Banned items: From umbrellas to selfie sticks

To avoid delays at security, leave the umbrellas at home. Golf umbrellas, large parasols, and similar items are entirely banned for safety and sightline reasons, meaning attendees should pack waterproof coats instead.

The full list of prohibited items that will be confiscated at the gates includes:

• Selfie sticks
• Air horns
• Megaphones
• Laser pens
• Drones
• Spray cans
• Chinese lanterns
• Any form of glass

Skateboards, scooters, and bicycles are also barred from the arena.

Unauthorised professional photography or filming equipment is strictly prohibited, with cameras permitted past the gates entirely at the security team’s discretion.

Alcohol, ID, and behaviour policies

The festival is operating a strict Challenge 25 policy at all bars and entry points. If you are lucky enough to look under 25, you must present a valid, physical photo ID to purchase alcohol. Photocopies will not be accepted.

The only approved forms of identification are a valid passport, a full or provisional DVLA driving license, or a Proof of Age card carrying the official PASS scheme hologram.

In line with UK law, psychoactive substances and so-called ‘legal highs’ are strictly forbidden.

Organisers have also noted that anti-social behaviour will result in immediate ejection, and for public safety, crowd surfing and moshing are completely prohibited.

Finally, except for registered assistance dogs, no animals are allowed on site at any time.

For more information and to take a look at the site layout, you can download the official Roundhay Festival app through the Apple Store (for iPhones) or Google Play (for Android devices).