Ed Sheeran returns to Manchester with his huge Mathematics tour this week - and over 240,000 fans will head to see him over the four night stint at the Etihad Stadium. With it being such a huge event, naturally security is tight and there are a number of guidelines for ticketholders heading along.
Specifically, there are a number of banned items that you are not allowed to take inside. All ticketholders will be checked by security officials on the way in.
Here's a full round-up of what you can and can't take in to the gigs, and more info on what you can and can't do at the shows too. Taking your own food and drink into the ground is a no no - but there are lots of food and drink options inside the ground.
Read more : Ed Sheeran in Manchester - set times, support acts and how to get to the Etihad Stadium - full guide
Ed makes his huge return to Manchester on Thursday night with his Mathematics tour, playing to 240,000 fans in total over the following four concerts. The show has been winning rave reviews so far on its UK tour.
Here's all the info you need about what you can and can't take in to the ground for the gigs on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Can you take a bag in?
You are allowed to bring a bag that is smaller than A4 in size. As a general rule, the less you bring, the quicker you and everyone else will get it. Please note there are no temporary storage facilities for any items that are not allowed into the concert so it will be up to you to find somewhere to store these items and bags left in unauthorised surrounding areas will be disposed of immediately by the police
Can you take your own food and drink?
No. Alcohol cannot be taken into the stadium but plenty of bars are inside to provide you with refreshment. Suitable ID must be provided on request before alcohol will be served and bars will be operating a Challenge 25 policy so you will need to show ID if you wish to purchase alcohol and look under the age of 25.
You are not allowed to bring your own food into the stadium. There are plenty of food offerings outside the stadium at City Square and inside selling a wide variety of food catering to all needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options.
Water can be obtained free of charge at the bars.
What can you not take into the Etihad Stadium?
Ticketholders are advised not to bring any of the following with you as you will not be allowed to enter the site if any of these items are found in your possession:
-
Aerosols
-
Air horns
-
Alcohol
-
Animals (except assistance dogs)
-
Backpacks/holdalls/rucksacks
-
BBQs or any cooking apparatus
-
Bicycles, scooters, roller skates
-
Blow torches
-
Bottles
-
Cans
-
Cameras (DSLR/SLR) with detachable lens
-
Chairs
-
Chinese lanterns
-
Cooking apparatus
-
Cool bags / boxes (large)
-
Cigarettes (more than for personal use)
-
Cutlery
-
Drinks
-
Drones
-
Fireworks / pyrotechnics
-
Flags with poles
-
Flares / distress flares / smoke flares
-
Food
-
Gazebos and parasols
-
Gas cylinders/canisters
-
Glass
-
Knives
-
Liquids (over 100ml)
-
Illegal substances (drugs)
-
Laser pens
-
Legal / herbal highs (includes Nitrous Oxide and associated equipment including balloons)
-
Megaphones
-
Professional audio-visual recording equipment
-
Pushchairs/prams
-
Selfie Sticks
-
Smoke bombs / canisters
-
Sound systems
-
Tablet PCs
-
Tabards/High Viz Jackets
-
Large Umbrellas (small telescopic umbrellas are permitted)
-
Weapons
Prohibited items will be confiscated and if any attendee is found with any illegal item they will be refused entry and referred to the Police.
Can you smoke?
The Etihad Stadium is a no smoking venue; smoking or the use of electronic cigarettes is strictly forbidden.
Get the latest What's On news - from food and drink to music and nightlife - straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter .
