The Ultimate Concert Survival Guide
Everything You Need to Know For an Unforgettable Experience at Your Dream Show
You’re in! You got ‘em…. you just spent the past few hours anxiously stuck in online queues amongst thousands of Swifties, Bey Hives, Harry, or Billie stans, or maybe you opted for a more old skool choice and fought for Take That or Elton John tickets.
Hopefully, you secured the ticket you want, seated or standing (aka ‘the pit’)
Now what?
Well, it’s time to start planning for the big night!
Whether you’re a first-time concertgoer or looking to rekindle your love for live music, I’m here to guide you from soundcheck to encore.
Concerts come in many shapes and sizes, from intimate shows like Shepherd’s Bush Empire Club to arenas like the O2, festivals like Glastonbury, or stadiums like Wembley, there’s something for everyone.
Today, our focus will be on arenas
The venue
First, let’s get acquainted with the four main arenas in the UK.
Capacity: 21,000
Address: Victoria Station Approach, Hunts Bank, Manchester M3 1AR (north of the city)
Transport: Close to Victoria railway station
Parking: Multi-story car park available
Capacity: 15,800
Address: King Edwards Rd, Birmingham B1 2AA (central of the city)
Transport: 14 minutes from New St station
Parking: Multi-story car park with pre-booking option
Capacity: 20,000
Address: Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX (south-east)
Transport: North Greenwich station for the tube
Parking: On-site parking with pre-booking option (but it’s expensive £30)
Capacity: 14,300
Address: Exhibition Way, Stobcross Rd, Glasgow G3 8YW (west of the city)
Transport: 5-minute journey from Glasgow Central station
Parking: Has its own car park and off-street parking options
Carefully consider the location and transport, depending on your chosen arena, you will need a well-thought-out plan, this may involve booking hotels, and arranging train or bus tickets if you’re travelling from afar.
You’ll want to allow yourself at least an hour before the doors open.
What to take?
You won’t need to take much, so here’s a quick checklist of the essentials:
- Money: Bring some cash for merch and food
- ID: Certain venues may require ID verification to ensure your ticket matches, especially for standing tickets where age restrictions typically apply (usually ages 14+).
- Tickets: Don’t forget to bring your concert tickets!
- Small bag: Opt for a compact bag as the arena will conduct safety bag checks. To save time and avoid any inconvenience, avoid bringing a large bag, such as a backpack or anything larger, as they may not allow it inside. This can help you avoid needing cloakroom services.
- Portable power bank for your phone- You wouldn’t want your battery to die before capturing those precious photos.
What to wear?
When it comes to choosing what to wear, concertgoers often go to great lengths in preparation for the big night. Some devoted fans even spend months carefully sewing sequins into jumpsuits and crafting eye-catching outfits.
While some prefer to dress to impress, ideally, you’ll want to prioritize comfort above all else. Consider the practical aspects of your fit, as you’ll likely be doing a fair amount of walking and standing.
Keep in mind that summer shows can get hot, particularly in the pit or pit queue, arenas themselves can be chilly, especially if you’re seated or standing near the exits.
Striking the right balance between style and comfort will ensure you’re ready to fully enjoy the show.
What to expect when you get there
Big artists bring in big crowds, and most likely it will already be jam-packed on arrival. There’s lots to look at, stores, food places, merch stands, and the queues….so many queues.
In typical British fashion, we have perfected the art of queueing but the most impressive queues you will ever see are for the toilets inside an arena.
Timing is everything to not miss anything.
Keep in mind that holding your place in the queue while you take a bathroom break can be challenging, especially if you’re alone. And if you’re aiming to be at the barricade, I wouldn’t risk it at all.
Food, drink and merch (costs)
Whether you’re getting food outside or inside the arena expect to spend a lot of money
Hello £5 Pepsi?!?
Merch can vary but here’s a general price guide that you would typically see at big shows:
T-shirts- £30
Hoodies- £60–90
Caps & socks- £20ish
Keyrings etc- £10–15
What to do if you are pit or seated?
If you have seated tickets, you can relax, walk around the arena, and look at merchandise stands that are dotted around outside. Wait for the venue doors to open and grab food and drinks once inside. Take your time taking in the atmosphere and finding your seat.
If you have a pit ticket, then time to join that pit queue asap, get ready for sitting on concrete!
To buy merch before the show or after?
Seated ticket holders have the advantage of being able to purchase merchandise before the show and relax comfortably without the concern of losing or holding a bag. On the other hand, if you’re in the pit, it’s probably a good idea to wait until after the performance to buy merch, unless you plan on wearing it right away.
Keep in mind that posters can easily get crushed, and certain items like mugs may not be suitable for the pit. But don’t fret, as there’s typically plenty of merchandise still available after the show.
Navigating the pit- where to stand
Welcome to the jungle… there are rules, unwritten rules to the pit.
Surviving the pit queue is a feat on its own, but also quite fun. Enjoy the camaraderie, card games, and spontaneous singing.
Then comes the signal to move, you get herded like cattle through a variety of gates before getting your ticket scanned and finally, you’re released onto the arena floor.
Up until this point, it’s very well controlled and orderly- not anymore.
Now it’s a free for all run-to barricade, this is where you will find the stans, the most hard-core fan of all. They have most likely been camping outside since 5 am three days ago, they want to be at the front and aint nobody gonna get in their way.
Mid pit, the bulk of where people will stand, this can cause difficulty being able to see if you’re not very tall, but as you move further back you will find visibility becomes better.
*Tip* I find that the back of the pit is the best place to stand, you have easy access to the bars and exits, and a pretty good view of the artist and screens, without being squashed.
Taking care of yourself and others
The venue staff are truly amazing and ready to assist you at every turn. If you need first aid or some water, simply ask, and they’ll be there to help. They care about your well-being, keeping an eye out for anyone who might feel faint. To ensure both their job and your overall enjoyment go smoothly, remember to stay well-hydrated.
Also, be prepared for dazzling flashing lights, stunning pyrotechnics, and take care of your hearing. It’s important to always look out for fellow concert-goers and alert the venue staff if you notice anyone in need. Together, we can create a safe and memorable experience for everyone.
Enjoying the show
Nothing beats seeing your favourite artist walk out on stage in front of you for the first time.
It’s a moment to cherish.
With all the excitement, remember to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the show.
Capture a few photos and videos to preserve the memories, but don’t get too caught up behind the lens.
Allow yourself to be swept away by the music, the energy, the atmosphere, and try to live in the moment.
When the party’s over
And that’s it… house lights come on, marking the end of the show.
Post-concert depression is already setting in and you don’t want to go home. The world outside the venue seems insignificant compared to the energy you just experienced.
Although reality may be waiting outside those doors, until the next concert, hold on to the excitement and let it fuel your anticipation for the next unforgettable experience.
Meeting the artist?
In the post-COVID era, meet and greets appear to be a distant memory, as many artists no longer offer this option. The opportunity for VIP tickets and the chance to experience meet and greets seems to be limited to only a select few artists.
However,
If you are able and it’s safe to do so, you can join the stans and locate the back exit gate of the venue to wait for the artist’s departure. In some cases, if permitted by security, certain artists are willing to oblige and genuinely appreciate the presence of a small crowd of dedicated fans.
Leaving the venue
Getting home safely is just as important as getting there, bearing in mind it’s usually late when leaving, shows starting at 8 pm or later will finish at 10.30 pm-11 pm. The crowd spill out can take a loooong time to get out, making catching that last train home a panic. Similarly, if you arrived by car, it can take just as long leaving the organised chaos that is the venue car park.
And lastly,
armed with this concert-goers guide, you’re well-prepared to begin an incredible journey into the world of live music.
Whether you’re screaming from way back in the seated section or squished in the pit, savour the connections made with fellow fans and the unforgettable moments shared with your favourite artists.
So let the anticipation begin!
Are you headed to a concert this summer? Comment below who you are going to see ⬇️
