Little Mix gig's 'silly' list of banned items
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KILLJOY concert officials have banned fans from taking cameras and iPads into Little Mix’s hotly-anticipated Inverness gig.
Bosses have warned that GoPros, tablets and selfie sticks will all be confiscated – but refuse to reveal the reasoning behind the decision.
Other banned items include camping chairs, picnic blankets and umbrellas and, in the midst of one of the hottest summers on record, revellers will only be allowed one 500ml bottle of water each through the gates.
Scottish Provincial Press, publisher of the Highland News, has also been informed there will be room for only one "official" photographer at the event, who will have to submit images to Little Mix’s management for approval before publication. We refused.
Some 13,000 music lovers are expected to attend the Bught Park concert on Sunday.
And local councillors have raised concerns that the draconian rules could spoil their enjoyment of the gig, which marks the culmination of the chart-topping girl group’s Summer Hits UK tour.
Inverness West councillor Bill Boyd said: "I think banning things like cameras is silly. I don’t think it’s realistic to expect people to go to an event like that and not take photos.
"People also need to have water available, especially at the moment as it is so unusually warm.
"I can understand that the traders want to make money but exemptions have to be made for water. It would be downright dangerous if they weren’t."
Fellow ward member Alex Graham added: "I would urge the organisers to do all they can to make the event as enjoyable as possible for people.
"People who have bought tickets have paid good money for the chance to see the band so I hope the organisers help them have an enjoyable evening."
Event promoter Liz Hobbs Group insisted that many of the items on the banned list were "as a result of direct requests from Little Mix’s management company."
Confusingly, while cameras and iPads are on the list of prohibited items a spokesman insisted: "As long as people are not trying to get in with professional-standard recording equipment, we do not plan on stopping them."
He added: "A 100 per cent bag search programme will be in place ahead of the concert.
"Normally our concert conditions state that no food or drink can be brought into the arena. However, in light of the recent extreme weather conditions, guests will be allowed to bring one sealed 500ml bottle of water in with them, and the top will be removed upon entry to the arena."
Fans with special dietary requirements have also been asked to bring evidence of any medical condition or face having food and drink seized.
The spokesman said that any items confiscated would be kept for collection at the end of the night.
After last weekend’s Inverness Highland Games, this weekend is expected to be just as busy for the city.
Ahead of the Little Mix concert on Sunday, where gates will open at 4pm, a pro-independence All Under One Banner march will take place in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.
Police Scotland will have a presence at both events and a spokesman said: "We would advise members of the public to leave extra time for their journeys."
Tickets for the Little Mix concert are still available and range between £49.50 and £71.50.
