Vaping at Concerts & Festivals: Your 2025 Guide
Festivals and live music events are a huge part of summer culture in the UK and Europe. But with disposable vape bans and stricter venue rules in place, it’s more important than ever to know what’s allowed before you go.
This guide covers vaping rules at major UK and European festivals, venue policies, disposable device restrictions, vaping etiquette, the best vape types for long days, charging tips, FAQs, and more. So you're fully prepped for festival season.
Can I Use Vapes at Festivals?
Most UK festivals allow vaping outdoors, but policies vary by event. Indoor areas, tents, or enclosed stages may have stricter rules or full bans.
Always check each festival’s official site or contact organisers before attending. Security can confiscate vapes used in banned zones.
Disposable Vapes at Festivals: Why You Should Avoid Them
Disposable vapes are increasingly banned at UK festivals due to environmental concerns and the 2025 UK government single-use vape ban.
- Keep Britain Tidy estimated that 260 million disposable vapes were discarded every year in the UK.
- Many festivals now prohibit disposables to reduce waste and encourage sustainable vaping.
- Using refillable and reloadable pod kits or rechargeable devices is encouraged; they offer longer battery life and are easy to recharge on-site.
Better choice: Rechargeable pods like the IVG Pro 12 range. Cleaner for the environment, longer-lasting, and festival-friendly.
Can I Use Vapes at Concerts? Venue Policies for 2025
Indoor venues usually treat vaping like smoking: not allowed indoors. Outdoor stages or open-air gigs often permit vaping, but confirm locally.
Major Venue Policies & Smoking Areas
Venue | City | Vaping Allowed? | Smoking/Vaping Areas |
---|---|---|---|
The O2 Arena | London | ✅ Allowed in concourses, not in arena bowl | Designated outdoor smoking zones near entrances |
O2 Academy Islington | London | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Wembley Stadium | London | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking shelters near exits |
Principality Stadium | Cardiff | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Royal Albert Hall | London | ❌ No vaping indoors | Smoke/vape outside entrances only |
AO Arena | Manchester | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking shelters near entrances |
Co-op Live | Manchester | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking zones near entrances |
O2 Academy Brixton | London | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
First Direct Arena | Leeds | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Utilita Arena Birmingham | Birmingham | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking zones near entrances |
SSE Hydro | Glasgow | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking shelters near entrances |
P&J Live | Aberdeen | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
O2 Academy Birmingham | Birmingham | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
O2 Academy Bristol | Bristol | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Motorpoint Arena | Nottingham | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking shelters near entrances |
M&S Bank Arena | Liverpool | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Brighton Centre | Brighton | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Utilita Arena Newcastle | Newcastle | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking shelters near entrances |
Utilita Arena Sheffield | Sheffield | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking shelters near entrances |
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall | Glasgow | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
SSE Arena Belfast | Belfast | ❌ No vaping indoors | Outdoor smoking areas near entrances |
Pro Tips for Concert-Goers
- Contact the venue in advance if you have medical prescriptions for vaping.
- Ask security about vaping zones when you arrive.
- Remember: many venues have a no re-entry policy, so plan vape breaks carefully.
- Use compact, low-vapour devices to stay discreet.
- Always respect venue staff and fellow attendees.
UK Festival Vaping Rules (2025)
Festival | Location | Vaping Allowed? | Disposable Vapes? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Glastonbury | Somerset | ✅ Outdoors only | ❌ Banned | Official "do not bring" list; no vaping indoors |
Reading & Leeds | Reading / Leeds | ✅ Outdoors | ❌ Banned | Disposables prohibited; refillables allowed |
Creamfields | Cheshire | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | No vaping indoors; refillable pods accepted |
Download Festival | Donington | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | No indoor vaping, disposables discouraged |
Wireless Festival | London | ✅ Outdoors | ❌ Banned | Disposable ban in effect, treated the same as smoking |
TRNSMT / In the Park | Glasgow, Scotland | ✅ Outdoors only | ❌ Banned | Disposables prohibited |
Latitude Festival | Suffolk | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Indoor spaces banned; refillables allowed |
Between the Trees | Bridgend, Wales | ✅ Outdoors only | ❌ Banned | Eco-focused, disposables prohibited |
Green Man Festival | Brecon Beacons, Wales | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Sustainability policy; disposables frowned upon |
Victorious Festival | Portsmouth | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Green messaging discourages disposables |
Parklife | Manchester | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | No vaping on platforms or indoors; refillables allowed |
Lovebox | London | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Outdoor-only, eco zones in place (artist/stall experiences) |
All Points East | London (Victoria Park) | ✅ Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Outdoor-only, indoor bars disallow vaping; sustainability zones in place |
Legal & Festival Context
- As of June 1, 2025, the sale of single-use disposable vapes is illegal across the UK, leading many festivals to formally ban them in policy.
- This ban drives a wider trend toward eco-friendly vaping, with all festivals enforcing no indoor vaping and discouraging disposables to align with sustainability goals.
- Festivals generally treat vaping like smoking: allowed outdoors, banned in enclosed areas, or structures.
European Festival Vaping Rules
Festival | Country | Vaping Allowed? | Disposable Vapes? | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tomorrowland | Belgium | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ❌ No – Banned | Vapes are on the prohibited items list for both the main site and DreamVille camping. |
Sziget Festival | Hungary | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ❌ Effectively banned | Disposable vapes are banned by law in Hungary; nicotine vapes (non-disposables) are legal if tobacco-flavoured and purchased via licensed tobacco shops |
Primavera Sound | Spain | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ✅ Yes – Allowed (with care) | Most areas permit vaping, but indoor venues and stages may restrict. |
EXIT Festival | Serbia | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ✅Yes – Allowed | No published restrictions; anecdotal reports confirm relaxed policy. |
Parookaville | Germany | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Strong environmental stance; bag checks common. |
Way Out West | Sweden | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ⚠️ Discouraged | Gothenburg has strict smoking zones; festival mirrors local smoking rules. |
Dekmantel | Netherlands | ✅ Yes – Outdoors only | ✅ Yes – Allowed | Open-air layout allows vaping, but some indoor events may prohibit it. |
How to Charge Your Vape at a Festival
Charging options can vary:
- Phone charging lockers: common at large festivals, bring your cable.
- Solar chargers or power banks: ideal for camping festivals.
- Designated recharge stations: some festivals (like Glastonbury) offer free power points.
Pro Tip: Use low-wattage, energy-efficient devices like pod systems to extend battery life.
What Type of Vape Should I Take? Convenience, Duration & Transport
- Pod systems (e.g., IVG 2400 ): Lightweight, easy to refill, discreet, and quick to recharge. Perfect for all-day use.
- Stealth vapes: Produce less vapour, ideal for crowded areas or indoors where allowed.
- High-capacity mods: Longer battery life but bulkier, good for multi-day camping but less convenient.
- Avoid disposables due to bans and environmental impact.
Environmental Impact & Sustainability of Vaping at Festivals
Disposable vapes create a significant environmental challenge at festivals. In 2024, an estimated 260 million disposable vapes were discarded in the UK alone, contributing to litter and plastic waste that is difficult to recycle.
Many festivals have responded by banning or discouraging disposables, encouraging the use of refillable and rechargeable pod systems instead. These devices reduce waste, last longer, and can be recharged multiple times, making them a more sustainable choice for festival-goers.
By choosing reusable vape devices, you’re helping keep festival grounds cleaner and supporting a greener environment. For more tips on responsible vaping while travelling, check out our Vaping on Holiday guide .
Vaping and Festival Health & Safety
Festivals can be physically demanding, with long hours spent outdoors. To enjoy vaping safely:
- Stay hydrated. Vaping can sometimes cause mild dehydration, especially when combined with alcohol or warm weather. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Protect your device from the weather. Rain, dust, and heat can damage your vape. Use waterproof cases or sealable bags to keep your device safe.
- Store batteries carefully. Avoid leaving your vape in direct sunlight or inside hot tents for extended periods to prevent battery issues.
- Be mindful of others. Use your vape in designated or outdoor areas and avoid vaping near flammable materials.
Following these tips helps ensure your health and safety while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Festival Vape Packing Checklist
Staying charged and protected makes all the difference when vaping at festivals. Tap and hold to copy this checklist on mobile, or click and drag to copy on desktop.
✅ Waterproof vape pouch or case – protects against rain and accidental drops
✅ Portable power bank – keep your device charged on multi-day festivals
✅ Extra charging cable – ideal if one gets lost or damaged
✅ Ziplock bag – keeps vape and e-liquids dry and dust-free inside your backpack
✅ Hard-shell case (optional) – adds extra protection for travel and storage
Festival Vape Packing Checklist
✅ Pod-based vape device
✅ Spare pods or sealed 10ml e-liquid bottles
✅ USB-C or compatible charging cable
✅ Portable power bank
✅ Ziplock bag to keep gear clean and dry
✅ Backup vape device (optional)
✅ Valid photo ID for age checks at the gate
Vaping Trends at Festivals 2025
This year, festival vapers are leaning toward:
- Compact pod systems that offer discretion and easy recharging.
- Long-lasting batteries to avoid downtime during performances.
- Popular vape flavours include fresh fruits, menthol, and light desserts, perfect for daytime or evening use.
- Sustainable devices with refillable pods replacing disposables for environmental reasons.
- Keeping up with trends means you stay comfortable and stylish while vaping at festivals
Travel Tips: Flying or Driving to Festivals With Vape Gear
Traveling with vape gear requires preparation:
- When flying, check airline policies carefully. Many allow vapes in carry-on luggage but restrict batteries and liquids.
- Pack vape devices and e-liquids according to liquid limits (usually 100ml per bottle).
- Use protective cases to prevent damage during transit.
- If driving or camping, bring portable chargers and waterproof storage.
- For detailed rules on flying with vapes, see our full Flying with Vapes in 2025 guide .
- For general travel and vaping advice, including holiday destinations, visit our Vaping on Holiday guide.
Preparation helps your vape gear arrive safely and keeps you stress-free at the festival.
Blog: Check out our 7 Best IVG ‘Intense Salts’ E-Liquids for Summer 2025
Festival Vape Mishaps & How to Avoid Them
Even the best-prepared festival-goers can face vape troubles. Here’s how to stay ahead:
- Battery issues: Use fully charged batteries and carry backups or power banks. Avoid extreme heat that can drain or damage batteries.
- Leaks: Store e-liquids upright and use leak-proof pods or bottles. Clean your device regularly.
- Lost or damaged gear: Keep your vape in a secure, easy-to-access pouch. Consider bringing a backup device if possible.
- Device failure: Know basic troubleshooting or bring cleaning kits and replacement coils/pods.
Being prepared means fewer disruptions and more fun.
Best IVG Devices for Festivals
Whether you're hitting a UK weekender, jetting off to Europe, or just need something that’ll last from gates open to closing set, these IVG devices have you covered:
IVG 2400 – Ideal for All-Day Use
- Why it’s great: 4x mesh coil pods in one device give you up to 2400 puffs with real flavour consistency.
- Perfect for: Switching flavours throughout the day.
- Bonus tip: Pre-load your flavour pods before you go; no need to open extras during bag checks.
IVG Pro – Discreet, Reliable & Rechargeable
- Why it’s great: A compact, rechargeable vape with up to 10,000 puffs and loads of bold flavours, now including 30 new festival-ready blends.
- Perfect for: Those who prefer a small, pocket-friendly device.
- Bonus tip: Pair with a power bank for guaranteed performance from gates to afterparty.
IVG SAVR – Big Puffs, Less Waste
- Why it’s great: The SAVR delivers 3000 puffs in a disposable-style design, all for the price of a standard 600 puff vape. That means fewer devices, less packaging, and more value.
- Perfect for: Festivals with vape restrictions or eco-aware vibes like Parookaville, Dekmantel, or Shambala.
- Bonus tip: Great for flying too, saves space, and only counts as one device in your carry-on.
Tips For Vaping at Festivals
Festival organisers often balance safety with attendee enjoyment. We advise:
- Communicate your vaping needs. Contact festivals or venues ahead if you have prescriptions or medical reasons for vaping.
- Respect all policies. Adhere to designated vaping zones and staff instructions.
- Choose discreet devices. Pod kits with low vapour production help avoid attention and complaints.
-
Stay informed. Policies can change; check official sources regularly.
Listening to these insights can improve your festival experience and keep vaping enjoyable for everyone.
UK vs Europe Vaping Rules at Festivals
Vaping laws vary across countries:
- In the UK, vaping is allowed outdoors at most festivals with a strict ban on disposables starting in 2025. Age limit is 18+.
- Many European countries have their own rules. Some allow disposables, others ban them; indoor vaping is mostly prohibited.
- Always check festival websites and local laws before travelling abroad.
- Our Flying with Vapes in 2025 guide includes key legal differences for UK vapers attending European events.
Understanding these rules helps avoid fines, confiscations, or denied entry.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Vape at Festivals?
UK law restricts vaping products to adults 18+. This applies to purchasing, carrying, and using vape devices. Security staff at festivals are authorised to check ID and confiscate products from underage attendees.
Tip: Carry a valid photo ID such as a driving licence, passport, or PASS card.
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