As UK festivals gear up for the 2025 season, vaping regulations are evolving. Here's what you need to know about vaping at major UK festivals.
- Ban on disposable vapes: Starting June 1, 2025, the sale and supply of disposable vapes will be banned across the UK due to their environmental impact. Single-use vapes can pose recycling challenges due to their lithium-ion batteries.
- Festival Policies: Many festivals, including Glastonbury, Reading, and Leeds, have started to implement bans on disposable vapes. Security may confiscate these items at entry points.
- Designated vaping zones: Some festivals restrict vaping to outdoor or designated areas.
- Unclear Guideline: If no explicit rules are mentioned, vaping is often treated like smoking.
Are you allowed to vape at festivals?
Festivals are implementing specific rules and guidelines to ensure the safety, comfort, and environmental sustainability of their events. Below is a breakdown of vaping regulations at different UK festivals. These are subject to change, so we recommend checking festival websites closer to the time.
Glastonbury Festival
Vaping is permitted in outdoor areas, but attendees are asked to avoid vaping inside enclosed spaces. As for disposable vapes, these are firmly on the ‘what not to bring’ list at Glastonbury. Refillable vape devices would comply better with regulations.
Reading & Leeds Festivals
Both festivals do not permit disposable vapes. Refillable vape devices are allowed but should be used in designated areas. It’s better to plan ahead by switching to reusable vape options before attending.
What can’t you take to Leeds Fest?
Prohibited items include glass bottles, spray cans and penknives. Always review their official list before packing.
Are disposable vapes banned at Leeds?
Yes, disposable vapes are banned but refillable vapes are permitted. Check the festival’s prohibited items list closer to the event.
Can you take a vape to Reading Festival?
You can bring refillable vapes to Reading Festival, but not disposable vapes. Always verify the festival’s list prohibited list of items, closer to the event.
Parklife
Vaping at Parklife is generally permitted outdoors but restricted in indoor spaces. Check Parklife’s website closer to the event date for updates on vaping policies and any new regulations that may be introduced.
Victorious Festival
Vapes and vape refills/liquids are allowed at Victorious Festival. Specific bans have not been confirmed however its Green policy suggests that single-use plastics are likely discouraged or restricted.
Wilderness Festival
Like most popular festivals vaping is not permitted in enclosed public spaces at Wilderness festival. With the ban on disposable vapes soon approaching, it would be safe to assume the rule applies here already.
Latitude Festival
Refillable vape devices are allowed but must be used responsibly in designated outdoor areas only. Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public spaces.
Things to remember while vaping at UK festivals:
- Switch to rechargeable vapes: Opt for refillable vape devices that comply with regulations.
- Respect designated areas: Always vape outdoors or in specified zones provided by the festival organisers.
- Check official guidelines: Before attending any festival, visit its website or social media pages for updated policies regarding vaping.
- Dispose responsibly: If you use refillable devices or accessories like pods and coils, dispose of them properly using recycling bins provided onsite.
- When vaping isn’t an option, you can use Velo nicotine pouches.
Can you take a vape to a concert?
Vaping at concerts depends on venue rules. Outdoor concerts have different policies, while indoor venues often ban vaping entirely. Always check the concert’s official website for specific guidelines.
Sources:
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/news/think-before-you-pack-for-this-years-festival-2/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-crackdown-on-single-use-vapes
https://www.readingfestival.com/information-category/the-essentials/
https://parklife.uk.com/information/faqs/
https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk/greenpolicy/
https://www.latitudefestival.com/terms-conditions/
https://www.wildernessfestival.com/legal/terms-and-conditions-of-entry/
