In this article...
- A complete guide to vaping at festivals in the UK, covering the latest rules and tips for a hassle-free experience.
- Learn why disposable vapes are now banned in the UK and at most festivals, and why choosing a reusable vape kit is essential.
- Discover the best vape kits for your trip, with specific recommendations for both single-day and full-weekend festivals.
Festival season in the UK is approaching, bringing the promise of music, sunshine, and memorable moments! Whether you’re planning for a single day of fun or going all out for the full weekend experience, being prepared for vaping at festivals is important.
Navigating the various guidelines, especially as they can change, might seem a little confusing. This guide is designed to help clarify things. I’ll cover what you need to know about vaping at UK festivals this year, focusing on the rules (especially regarding disposables), suggesting suitable vape kits for day trips or longer stays, and providing helpful tips for a hassle-free experience.
Disposable Vapes are banned at Festivals
On June 1st 2025, disposable vapes were banned in the UK due to environmental concerns. However, many festivals began banning them much sooner amid the same concerns, so many festivals specifically ask you not to bring them. You can commonly find this information on a "What Can I Bring Page."[i][ii][iii]
Although many disposable devices are still obtainable through illicit channels, the reason behind these restrictions is the increasing focus many festivals place on sustainability and reducing waste. Attempting to bring disposables could lead to them being confiscated at security, causing delays for you and others.
Pro Tip: To avoid any issues at the entrance and align with festival sustainability efforts, I strongly advise leaving disposable vapes behind. Instead, choose a reusable, rechargeable vape kit.
What Vapes Can You Take to a Festival?
Now that I’ve covered why disposable vapes aren’t the best choice for festivals this year (or at all, honestly), let’s focus on the positive: the wide range of reusable vapes that are suitable! Festivals generally permit rechargeable vape kits, and based on what works well for convenience and compliance, I usually point people towards a few main types:
As I mentioned earlier, choosing one of these options means you’re respecting the festival’s rules and its environmental focus. They’re designed for repeated use, which significantly cuts down on waste. Plus, my advice is typically that investing in a reusable kit saves money long term, compared to constantly buying single-use devices.
Best Vapes to Take to a Festival
Okay, so reusable vapes get the green light. But which specific type should you pack? From my perspective, the ideal choice really depends on how you plan to enjoy the festival:
- Festival Duration: Are you heading there just for the day, or are you camping out for the whole weekend? Battery life becomes much more important for longer stays, so I always suggest considering this first.
- Portability vs. Power: Do you need something small and light that easily fits in a pocket or bumbag, or would a slightly larger device with a bigger battery be more practical for your needs?
- Convenience: How easy do you want refilling or pod swapping to be? I recommend thinking about potentially doing this in a crowd or low light.
- Flavour and Experience: Are you looking for intense flavour to match the festival vibes, or is simplicity key for you?
Thinking about these factors will help you pick what I’d call the perfect vape to accompany your festival experience. To make it easier, I’ll break down some specific recommendations based on whether you’re planning a quick day trip or settling in for the entire weekend.
Best Vape For A Long Festival Weekend – VLTZ Max 12
So, you’re going for the full weekend festival experience – fantastic! When you’re camping out and enjoying yourself for several days, things like convenience and not having to fuss too much with your vape become really important. So you’re going to want something with a reasonably long battery life and a large e-liquid capacity. Luckily, the VLTZ Max 12 is here to fulfil both of those requirements.
Here's why I highly recommend the VLTX Max 12 for a weekend trip:
Convenience
This is the big one for me. The VLTX Max 12 has a large e-liquid capacity, while remaining fully UK compliant. It does this by having an innovative refill mechanism, which is comprised of a 2ml pod and coil, and a 10ml internal refill reservoir. When your pod runs out of juice, simply tip the Max 12 to refill the pod – no need to carry around an additional bottle of e-liquid.
Kind of hard to fill a vape in the middle of a mosh pit.
Long-lasting
12ml of liquid is typically good for around 6000 puffs, which should be more than enough for a week of festival shenanigans for the average vaper. Of course, results will vary depending on how much you vape.
Power is handled by the respectable 1350mAh battery, charged quickly via USB-C. A battery this large should see you through a full day in the fields, if you’re not constantly breathing on it.
Pro Tip: To keep the VLTZ Max 12 powered all weekend, I recommend packing a portable power bank. Alternatively, check the festival website before you go to see if they offer charging stations or rentals.
Best Vapes for Day Festivals
Heading to the festival just for the day? Great choice for catching your favourite acts without the full camping commitment! Even for a single day out, I think having the right vape setup makes the experience better. Battery life isn’t usually the biggest worry for a day trip, as most kits will last, but I find factors like portability and ease of use are key.
Here are a few recommendations to make the most of your day partying:
VLTZ flex Pro Bar Pre-filled
If you want the simplest, most hassle-free option, then the VLTZ flex Pro Bar with Pre-filled Pods is usually my go-to recommendation for a day festival. I suggest it because it’s incredibly easy to use – just pop in a pre-filled pod and you’re ready, with no need for you to mess around with e-liquids.It's also lightweight and slips easily into a pocket or bag, which is perfect when you’re moving around stages. The 900mAh battery should comfortably see you through a day of typical vaping between acts.
The kit comes with a pod to get you started, but my tip is to grab a few extras. We often have multi-buy deals available, like getting three more pods for around £8.50. This means you can easily switch flavours during the day if you fancy a change. It also comes in several colours, including some nice gradient finishes and a classic black, so you can pick one that suits your style.
VLTZ flex Pro Refillable with VLTZ e-liquid
Now, if you prioritise getting great flavour and having access to a wider range of options, and you don’t mind carrying a small bottle of e-liquid, then I’d point you towards the VLTZ flex Pro Bar with a Refillable Pod. This uses the same convenient 900mAh device but comes with an empty pod you fill yourself via a small port on the bottom. You simply pair it with a 10ml bottle of our VLTZ e-liquid.
The big advantage here, in my view, is the flavours and choice - you can pick from our entire VLTZ range of 30 flavours. One 10ml bottle holds enough e-liquid to refill the pod five times, which is equivalent to five pre-filled pods, making it very economical. The only practical note I advise keeping in mind is refilling; if you need to top up later when it might be dark or crowded, finding a well-lit spot away from the main stages is my best advice to avoid any accidental spills.
Aeromax Boost with VLTZ Ultra
Looking for something with a bit more battery stamina and some useful extras? In that case, you might want to consider our Aeromax Boost. I’m particularly excited about this one for festivals, especially when paired with our latest VLTZ Ultra Nic Salts. As one of our newest additions, it offers an impressive 1300mAh battery, which should give you extra assurance that it will last all day and well into the night, based on its capacity.
What I anticipate being really useful about the Aeromax Boost for the festival environment are features like its easy side-filling pod and the clear digital screen showing your battery level - I expect that screen will prove very handy when you’re out and about, especially after dark. Not to mention the Dual vaping modes for when you really want to feel the flavour. The Aeromax Boost has also been specifically designed to work brilliantly with the VLTZ Ultra e-liquid range; these liquids replicate disposable-style flavours, and the Aeromax intends to bring out their absolute best.
Pro tip: To make sure you have everything you need, with every purchase you get a complimentary bottle of e-liquid in any flavours from our top brands – Red Label, VLTZ Bar Salts or the new, extreme flavours of VLTZ Ultra.
NicLeaf: The Perfect Festival Companion
Beyond vaping, I know there might be moments at a festival – perhaps deep in a crowd, during transport, or when you simply need a different nicotine option. For these situations, NicLeaf oral nicotine is worth considering.
NicLeaf consists of small, tobacco-free leaves that you simply tuck between your gum and lip. Their unique ultra-slim design allows them to comfortably release nicotine and flavour without any vapour at all. Unlike traditional pouches, NicLeaf is designed for maximum discretion and a fast-acting experience.
Vaping At Festivals
So, you’ve navigated the entry rules, chosen a permitted vape kit, and you’re ready to enjoy the festival. That’s great! But the next question people often ask me is: where exactly can I vape once I’m inside? While having an allowed device is step one, knowing the general etiquette and common rules for using it is just as important.
My Festival and Vaping Experience
Based on my experience and looking at various festival guidelines over the years, the rules can differ slightly, but there are common themes. Some festivals have designated smoking vaping areas. Even if specific zones aren’t heavily signposted, common sense and courtesy go a long way. As a general rule, expect vaping to be restricted in any enclosed spaces - think inside big tops, tents, marquees, or indoor arenas. Treat these areas as you would any indoor public space where vaping isn’t allowed. I’ve also seen specific restrictions pop up at some events, like no vaping on raised viewing platforms[iv] – where space is limited.
Ultimately, it comes down to being considerate of fellow festival-goers. Festivals are packed with people wanting to enjoy the music and atmosphere. Even if you’re in an open-air space where vaping seems okay, I always advise trying to be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid exhaling large clouds directly into groups of people, especially families or those trying to eat. A little bit of awareness ensures everyone can have a great time, vapers and non-vapers alike.
Pro Tip: Honestly, the golden rule here is to double-check the specific festival’s official information. Before you even leave home, have a quick look at the FAQs or rules section on their website.
Final Word
To quickly recap the key things I’ve covered: my strongest advice is to remember that disposable vapes are not permitted due to environmental rules, so it’s best to leave those at home if you still have one. Instead, I recommend choosing a reliable reusable kit that suits your plans.
Think about whether you need the multi-day convenience of something like the Max 12 (just remember my tip about packing a power bank!) or if a more compact option like the VLTZ Flex Pro or the flavour-enhancing Aeromax Boost is better for your day trip - and don't forget that spare replacement pod, just in case!
References
[i] Glastonbury – What To Bring
[ii] Leeds & Reading – What You Can And Can’t Bring
