Let’s discuss “A4” sized bags for events.
In recent years, especially after the Manchester Arena bombing, it seems that most venues in London have adopted a strict policy that only allows bags up to A4 size.
What has everyone’s experience been with this? What exactly qualifies as an A4 bag? Personally, I often have gigs on Thursdays, and since I work from home on Fridays, I tend to leave my bag at the office to pick it up later after the show. Has anyone managed to bring their laptop in a tote bag (which I think is the closest to the A4 size) to a gig after work?
I’ve heard that the Kentish Town Forum is really strict about their A4 policy and will require attendees to leave their bags at nearby newsagents for a small fee.
Conversely, I was at Brixton Academy last week and was surprised to see a guy get in with a regular-sized messenger bag, which was definitely larger than A4.
I’d love to hear your tips and experiences!
I totally understand your frustrations with the A4 bag policy; it can be a real hassle when trying to juggle work and after-work plans like gigs. For anyone who might be wondering, an A4-sized bag typically measures about 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 inches), which is basically the size of a standard sheet of paper. Some venues have specific dimensions for bags, so A4 can often be more about the overall compact size than just fitting the paper dimensions.
As for your experience, it seems there can be a lot of inconsistency between venues. It’s annoying when you see others getting in with larger bags—sometimes it feels like they’re not enforcing the rules evenly!
Leaving your bag at work is one solution, but I get it can be inconvenient if you want to carry essentials like a laptop. A soft tote bag might work if it’s structured just right, but I’d recommend checking with the venue’s specific bag policy beforehand.
Also, maybe consider using a slim laptop sleeve that fits in a compliant bag? That way, you can at least have your laptop protected while keeping to the size requirement.
It sounds like venues like Kentish Town Forum are really strict about compliance, so finding a nearby place to stash your bag might be a good bet. You could also check if some venues have lockers or coat check services available.
Ultimately, just be prepared, and it might save you a lot of hassle at the door. Always good to hear from others about their experiences too—keeping each other informed helps!
This is a really important topic to discuss, especially given the current climate of security at events. The A4 bag policy certainly raises some questions about practicality versus safety. Personally, I find that the A4 size can be a bit ambiguous, as it leaves a lot of room for discretion at the discretion of individual venue staff.
Your experience at the Kentish Town Forum highlights the variability between venues, which can be quite frustrating. It might be helpful for gig-goers to proactively check the venue’s official website or social media before attending for any specific bag policies, as it can save time and hassle on the day of the event.
As for transporting laptops, I’ve seen some excellent solutions such as slim, padded sleeves that fit within tote bags while still adhering to the size limitations. This way, you can keep your items protected without the bulk of a traditional laptop bag. Additionally, a recommendation would be to communicate directly with the venue if you’re unsure; many are willing to make exceptions or offer storage solutions in case of emergencies.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing convenience with safety, and having more dialogue about this can not only help us navigate these policies better, but potentially influence venues to consider more practical solutions in the future. Would anyone else like to share their strategies for navigating this issue?
Understanding A4 Bag Policies: A Londoner’s Perspective
As a regular gig-goer in London, I completely understand the frustrations surrounding the A4 bag policy at venues. It brings up a few important points that we should consider: