Can I Vape at a Festival?
Disclaimer: the information provided in this article is correct at the time of publication. This article is not monitored or updated periodically, so please check with the relevant festivals to ensure you are following up to date guidance.
It’s been illegal to smoke in an enclosed public place in the UK since 2007 when the indoor smoking ban came in, but what about at festivals and similar events?
When it comes to outdoor festivals, it tends to be up to the event organisers, so rules can differ from festival to festival. However, many events do allow vaping, while smoking is also usually permitted, in at least some capacity. It’s best to check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
In general, some festivals might not have explicit rules around vaping, but you can expect the etiquette and guidance to be similar to their rules surrounding smoking. For example, vaping out in the open might be allowed, but not in enclosed public spaces.
Things to Remember for Vaping at a Festival
If you are planning to vape at a festival, you should consider how long you’re going to be there. Make sure you take enough e-liquid to last – while festivals often have many stalls selling different items, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find any e-liquids for sale or that you’ll like the e-liquids on offer.
Of course, your vape device can run out of power too. This is a very real possibility over a weekend festival. A lot of festivals offer charging points where you can charge smartphones, vapes and other small devices, but there can be lengthy queues, and some might charge a small fee. Not only that, but you might not want to spend a large chunk of the festival hanging around waiting for your vape to charge, only to miss out on some of the great experiences the festival has to offer.
Depending on how your vape device operates, it makes sense to take one or two spare batteries or a portable charger to save you from wasting time charging or standing in a queue. It’s also advised to bring a cleaning kit, just in case. Festivals aren’t necessarily known for cleanliness – particularly when there’s a lot of rain and mud, so make sure your vape stays dry.
While vaping at festivals is generally permitted, it’s worth bearing in mind some basic vaping etiquette to make sure you don’t disrupt those around you. So be courteous to others when you vape and comply with the event’s rules. Even at festivals with less specific vaping policies, it’s best to consider other people first.
Can You Bring Vapes into Festivals?
Another important factor for vapers to consider when going to a festival is whether or not you can bring your device in the first place. Sometimes, festival vape restrictions may include banning disposable vapes from the event, although refillable devices typically aren’t included in this. All this said, the exact rules on vaping at festivals will depend on which one you’re going to.
It’s worth looking at the policies set out by some of the biggest UK festivals for a little more clarity on whether vaping at festivals is allowed. Explore festival vape rules and guidance for a variety of top UK festivals below.
Summer Festivals
Reading and Leeds Festival
At Reading and Leeds, festival-goers can bring cigarettes for personal use into both the campsite and arenas, while e-cigarettes are also allowed. However, the most recent terms and conditions1 state that smoking – including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping – is not permitted in enclosed public spaces or buildings, including big top arenas. Disposable vapes are also prohibited from both festivals, meaning you won’t be able to take any in with you. Refillable vapes are permitted at both events though.
Glastonbury Festival
At Glastonbury2, terms and conditions state that smoking is not permitted in enclosed public areas, including the accommodation and facilities at Worthy View and Sticklinch, the festival’s two pre-erected campsites. When it comes to vaping at Glastonbury, it’s permitted, but again, you must not vape in an enclosed public space at the festival. Glastonbury now also advises festival-goers to avoid bringing disposable vapes with them - adding this to their ‘What Not to Bring’ list.
Download Festival
What about Download, the UK’s premier rock and metal event? At Download, smoking isn’t allowed3 in public spaces or buildings – including arenas. This includes the use of e-cigarettes and vapes.
Creamfields
The rules at Creamfields are much the same as elsewhere, with smoking and the use of e-cigarettes and vapes not being permitted in enclosed public areas and buildings – including big top arenas – as set out in the festival’s terms and conditions4.
Love Supreme Festival
Love Supreme has its tented arenas and other spaces in the event designated as ‘No Smoking’ areas. The same rules may apply to vaping in these areas, however, this isn’t explicitly stated on its website. It might be worth contacting the event organisers for further information on where you can vape at this festival.
IQOS is also attending Love Supreme this summer. Our stall will offer a range of services for adult smokers, vapers and IQOS users, which you can find out more about on our announcement page - IQOS Is Coming to Festivals in 2024.
London Craft Beer Festival
The London Craft Beer Festival will also have ‘No Smoking’ areas across its venue, which may also apply to vaping. These areas conform with the applicable smoke-free regulations, and must be followed when attending. If you’d like to learn more on how vaping comes into these festival rules, contact the festival organisers. This is another festival IQOS is attending this summer - so if you’re an IQOS user, be sure to check out our stall.
Isle of Wight Festival
In the Isle of Wight Festival, there are certain non-smoking areas such as the viewing platforms. The Rescue Service has in the past sent out a message advising attendees not to smoke inside their tents. These are no-smoking areas – encompassing the use of e-cigarettes and vapes too.
As can be seen from the above examples, major festivals tend to have broadly similar rules in place around both smoking and the use of e-cigarettes and vapes. So again, avoid using these products in enclosed public spaces.
Some festivals have introduced specific areas for smoking and vaping rather than allowing guests to smoke and vape wherever they like on the site. Still, this can differ from festival to festival. Remember, this article is just a guide – you should always check with the festival’s official website/materials to avoid issues during the event.
Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
[1] https://www.readingfestival.com/2021-weekend-ticket-terms-and-conditions
[2] https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/information/accommodation/pre-erected-camping/pre-erected-campsite-terms-and-conditions/
[3] https://downloadfestival.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2021-Download-TCs.pdf
[4] https://creamfields.com/terms
