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Entertainment
Barbara Hodgson

Rules for Ed Sheeran's Sunderland show: what you can and can't take into the stadium

It's a tour that already has people talking and now Ed Sheeran is set to turn up the volume still further when he delivers a double-dose of the action in Sunderland.

The Mathematics Tour + - = ÷ x (a combination of the titles of Sheeran's albums) will be stopping off at Stadium of Light on June 3 and 4, after Sheeran slots into his schedule an added performance to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. He had initially planned to play Sunderland on June 2 too but was forced to cancel due to the royal clash.

No doubt he will be making up for the change of plan with two belter shows for the 115,000 fans who are expected to descend upon the stadium to see the global favourite. There is some vital information they need to know ahead of the gigs as there are some strict rules, as you might expect, about what can be taken in to the venue.

Read more: Jubilee events around the North East

We already have a guide with information on support acts, timings and tickets but here's what else there is to note about what's allowed through the venue's doors, from the maximum size of bags to regulations - as have applied to other gigs - about food, drink and extras.

What size bag can I take in?

The stadium has a restricted bag policy and any bags that don't adhere to these restrictions won't be allowed in. All items and bags will be inspected upon entry.

Bag must be no larger than A4L height 297mm (11.7 inches), width 210mm (8.27 inches), depth 210mm (8.27 inches). Rucksacks are banned.

Can I take food or drink into the stadium?

No. The stadium says an extensive range of food and drink will be available to buy both in the courtyard and stadium itself and concert goers are not allowed to take along their own food or drink. There also will be a Challenge 25 protocol in operation so you might need to show proof of ID to prove you're 18 or over when buying alcohol. Don't forget your card as the venue is cash-less.

Any customer suffering from a medical condition and has special requirements should contact the venue well in advance of the concert to obtain permission to take specific products into the venue. Expect searches at the point of entry where guests will be asked to discard any food or drinks before entering.

Can I take posters and banners?

Flag poles or sticks for banners are prohibited. Banners themselves are not banned but be aware of other spectators as there's a chance these sorts of things could block their view.

Can I take my camera?

Ed Sheeran's website has information about these rules. It says camera and smartphone cameras are fine but professional ones - classed as those with removable lenses - along with video and recording equipment are strictly forbidden.

ALSO - note there is a colour coded entry policy for tickets

There are colour-coded zones in place to help make entry easier. The zones will be purple; red; blue; green; yellow and platinum and fans will need to check the colour indicated at the top of their ticket ahead of the concert, which corresponds with their entry gate.

There several different entry points to the stadium. Then, on the day, they can just look for, and follow, the correct colour entry point which will be clearly sign-posted around the stadium. Early arrival is advised as extensive queues are expected.

The stadium has a 3D map available which will help too: see here. Ticket-holders can also keep an eye out on the stadium website for any information updates.

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