Vaping At Festivals: Being Prepared and Following Regulations

Music festivals, sunshine, and…vapes? As festival season kicks off, are you ready to navigate the rules and pick the best vape kit for your day or weekend of partying? Be prepared with this essential guide and some pro tips to vaping at UK and European festivals.

Can I Vape at UK Festivals?

This is highly dependent on the festival you attend and the regulations set out by the event organisers. For example, in 2023, Glastonbury banned festival-goers from bringing in disposables due the impact single use vapes were having on the environment[i].

UK Festivals that have banned disposable vapes:

• Glastonbury
• Leeds/Reading
• Latitude

These are the only festivals with officially announced bans on disposable vapes. However, many others promote sustainability and restrict single-use plastics. Disposables fall under this category, so it’s important to research thoroughly before bringing them. Festivals that prioritize sustainability may not explicitly mention disposables in their vaping policies, but a ban on single-use plastics could indirectly restrict them. Doing your research beforehand will ensure you’re following the festival’s guidelines and choosing a vape kit that won’t cause any problems.

From personal experience I have found that some festivals have vaping zones which are commonly found away from social spaces like inside arenas or outside bars. Remember that even walking between stages might still be off-limits for vaping, so plan accordingly.

Pro Tip: Always check the festival’s website for the most up-to-date vaping regulations, as rules can change year to year. If the festival allows vaping, research beforehand if they have designated vaping zones to avoid any confusion or restrictions while on the festival grounds.

Vaping At Reading and Leeds Festivals

The Reading and Leeds Festivals are fast approaching! If you’re planning to attend either event, here’s what you need to know about vaping regulations.

Both festivals have banned disposable vapes due to their environmental impact. However, refillable vapes are still allowed. We reached out to the festival organisers for clarification on what exactly is considered a disposable vape. Their official response:

“Disposable vapes are not permitted in the arena or campsites (please note, refillable vapes are permitted). Refillable vapes are allowed in the Arena, however they follow the same policy as cigarettes i.e. No Smoking indoors/in tents etc. and they must comply with the No Smoking regulations on site. Vape liquids for personal use only may be taken with vapes/e-cigarettes."

To play it safe, stick to refillable vapes like the flex Pro Bar that use e-liquids and require you to refill without disposing of the device once empty.

Vaping At Festivals Abroad

With European festivals ranked as the fastest-growing worldwide[ii], it can be tempting to pack that suitcase and jet off to one of the many festival hotspots. Be prepared with local knowledge of vaping regulations. Researching both the country’s rules and the event’s guidelines will help to keep things smooth.

Here are a few of the biggest European festivals and regulations for vaping:

• Primavera – Vaping is not permitted in the auditori
• Montreux Jazz – No vaping inside or outside of concert venues
• Tomorrowland – Atomizers/Coils are prohibited

Pro Tip: Don’t assume vaping is allowed - always check the festival website for their specific rules. For festivals like Tomorrowland with strict device restrictions, focus on taking enough pre-assembled devices and e-liquid to last the trip.

You may also like: Best Vapes To Take On Holiday

Coming To The UK From Abroad For Festivals

The UK festival scene is a major draw for tourists, and with good reason. In 2022, a staggering 1.1 million visitors from around the world came here to experience the British festival season[iii]. To make sure your UK festival experience is enjoyable, get familiar with the vaping regulations for the specific event you’re attending.

Most events allow vaping in certain designated areas, while some have specific rules about the types of devices that are permitted.

Some rules to be mindful of when vaping at UK festivals:

• Reminisce – Only 2 refills and 1 spare battery per vape
• Park Life – No vaping on viewing platforms
• DevaFest - Vaping not permitted in enclosed areas

If you’re traveling from abroad, a little planning goes a long way! Make sure you’re stocked up and ready to enjoy the festival without running out of your favourite vape supplies. With over 525 locations in total, it’s easy to find what you need. These include:

• Over 150 Totally Wicked Stores: Get expert advice from our friendly staff on the perfect vape kits like the VLTZ Flex Pro Bar Pre-filled pod kit, and other vape supplies.

• 375 Euro Garages: Quickly grab what you need during a travel stop.

No matter how you choose to prepare, you can feel confident knowing you’ll easily find your vape kits and e-liquids for an unforgettable festival experience.

Pro Tip: Before you set off, find your nearest Totally Wicked store. You can also use our store locator to find any that are conveniently located along your route to the festival!

Find your nearest Totally Wicked Store

Charging Vape Kits At Festivals

Nobody wants to run out of battery at a festival, whether that's your mobile phone or electronic cigarette. Some festivals such as Wireless have teamed up with Three (3Charging) and provide charging tents that hire out power banks for charging electronics. If you are heading off to Glastonbury, you will find a connect and charge tent which is run by Vodafone.

Alternatively, consider taking a vape kit with a bigger battery. If you're a day-tripper, most vape kits can handle a light to moderate vaping session, but think about your style - are you planning on dancing to every band or chilling in the sunshine with frequent vape breaks? A higher mAh battery will last you longer, so if you’re a heavy vaper or just want some peace of mind, consider a vape kit like the Eleaf iJust AIO Pro with a 3000mAh battery and up to 3 days

For those attending multi-day festivals like Glastonbury, you’ll definitely need serious battery power to keep you vaping throughout the entire event. Taking multiple disposable vapes are a convenient option, but the problem with this is that some festivals are starting to ban them due to environmental concerns. If, however, you've checked, and the festival you're attending allows disposables, check out our great mix-and-match bulk buy discounts on single use e-cigs.

Remember, always dispose of disposable vapes responsibly. If your device runs out, hold onto it until you reach a designated disposal bin or until you get home. Or, even better, drop it off at one of our local Totally Wicked stores for proper disposal. You can use our handy store finder to check the location of the nearest shop to your festival.

Pro Tip: Pack a spare battery or two (if your device allows it) for quick swaps and worry-free vaping all day or weekend long. Research the festival beforehand - some have designated charging zones or offer power bank rentals for convenience.

Here are a couple of disposable vape alternatives with the same convenience or long-lasting battery power:

Vapes For Single Day Festivals:

VLTZ Flex Pro Box Pre-filled Kit - The compact size and 1000mAh battery make this kit perfect for putting in your backpack or festival bag. Grab some replacement pods just in case, because nobody likes running out of vape juice in the middle of the fun!

Vapes For All Weekend Festivals:

The Joyetech eRoll Slim‘s portable charger case is great for extended camping trips and long festival days. The Eleaf i75 iStick with En Air Tank boasts a 3000mAh battery and is a preferred vape kit for those longer days and peace of mind knowing it will last.

Pro-tip: Stock up on replacement coils or pods before setting off. Burnt coils can affect your vape flavour and experience, so a few spares will ensure you can keep those intense flavours while partying all weekend long.

Best E-liquids For Festivals

If you opt for refillable tank style kits such as the Arc Mini 2, then you’re going to need some intense flavours. Festivals are all about the sensory overload - loud music, flashing lights, and wild crowds. Match that energy with bold e-liquid choices.

VLTZ Bar Salts are your perfect vape juice companion, delivering extreme flavours that combine perfectly with the festival chaos. Plus, they work perfectly with either of our recommended all weekend festival vape kit recommendations.

You may also like: Best E-Liquid Flavours for 2024

Stay in the Know

Festival rules can change, especially around vaping. To avoid surprises at the gate, join festival-specific groups on social media (Facebook, X, Reddit, etc.) and check the event website regularly. These are the best places for those last-minute updates that ensure you’re always prepared.

Vaping at festivals can be a great way to enjoy your favourite flavours while immersed in the experience. With a little planning, the right vape kit, and an eye on the festival rules, you’re all set for an unforgettable experience!

Festival Tips for Vapers Who Quit Smoking

Festivals are full of energy and excitement, which can sometimes bring up old habits. If you’ve used vaping to successfully quit smoking, it’s completely normal to feel a bit challenged in this type of environment. Here’s how to stay strong and celebrate the healthier choice you’ve made:

• Remember your “why”: Think back to what motivated you to switch to vaping. Was it for your health, to save money, or to enjoy the festival to the fullest? Focus on those positive reasons and the progress you’ve already made.
• You’ve got this: Quitting smoking is a huge accomplishment! Acknowledge your strength and remind yourself how much you’re capable of.
• Support system: Let your friends know you’re committed to vaping rather than smoking, and ask for their understanding. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people during the festival.

Pro Tip: Switching to vaping was a big step toward a healthier lifestyle. Don’t let a temporary environment derail the progress you’ve worked so hard for. Keep your “why” in mind, be proud of yourself, and enjoy your festival experience smoke-free!

Here’s a Quick Recap:

• Know the Rules: Always check the event website and social media channels for the latest regulations on vaping zones and device restrictions.
• Pack Smart: Choose the right vape kit based on your festival duration and bring backup pods, and spare coils
• Be Considerate: Respect designated vaping areas, and be mindful when vaping in busy crowds.
• Stay Strong: Festivals can be tempting environments, but remember your reasons for switching to vaping. Have a plan in place to manage cravings if they arise.

[i] Glastonbury festival has asked fans not to bring disposable vapes.

[ii] EU FESTIVALS RANK AS FASTEST GROWING WORLDWIDE

[iii] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66220011