Venue Security
Your safety and security are our top priority. We work closely with local and national authorities, constantly reviewing our security measures to ensure they are effective and proportionate.
We employ a range of security measures, both visible and behind the scenes, across all NEC Group venues, during events and at all other times. These measures include tailored venue search operations, strategically placed security personnel, multi-purpose dog response teams, intelligence-led CCTV monitoring, and partnerships with West Midlands Police, who often deploy additional resources.
While you may not see all security activity, please be assured that it is ongoing, often behind the scenes.
What is the Search Policy?
In the interests of safety and security, all visitors will be searched. This is a condition of entry. Refusal or abusive, threatening, or discriminatory remarks (including comments about weapons or explosives) will result in denied access. Please allow extra time for this process.
What Can You Do To Help?
We encourage you to:
- Arrive early to allow time for enhanced security checks.
- Bring no bag at all if possible, or only a small bag (see Bag Policy below).
- Cooperate with security personnel's requests.
- Remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to staff or the police. "If something doesn't feel right - report it."
How Will Queuing Be Affected?
We encourage you to arrive as early as possible to allow time for enhanced security checks when entering the venue. We have additional security measures in place, including visible armed police and dog patrols throughout event periods and at all venues to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable while at the show. Searches will be carried out throughout the day and evening at all sites.
I Was at an Event Recently and My Bag Wasn’t Checked?
Bag searching is just one of many components of our security measures. For obvious reasons, we don’t go into specific security details for individual shows, as this is potentially detrimental to these processes. We have additional security measures in place, including visible armed police and dog patrols throughout event periods and at all venues to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable while at the show. Searches will be carried out throughout the day and evening at all our sites.
Bag Policy
Ensuring your safety is our number one priority. We operate a bag policy to facilitate quick searches and minimise contact.
Ideally, please do not bring a bag. If you must bring a bag, it must be no larger than A4 size (21cm x 30cm x 19cm) with a maximum of two compartments. Rucksacks are not permitted. All bags are searched.
Oversized bags will not be allowed in. If you arrive with an oversized bag and cannot leave it elsewhere, you may have the option to leave it in our external Bag Store (subject to search) for a £15 fee (card/phone only—no cash). The Bag Store may not be available at every event. Check the event page for details.
If you have a medical condition that requires you to bring in equipment in a bag which contravenes our Bag Policy, please access the venue by one of our Accessible entrances and speak to the members of staff there. Our staff understand these requirements and will do what they can to assist.
Prohibited Items
For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, the following items are prohibited:
- Any item which is intended, or can be adapted, to be used as a weapon, or compromise public safety
- Controlled drugs which are held unlawfully
- Food and drink, including alcohol (Note: Food and drinks will not be returned after the show.)*
- Glass bottles, cans & flasks
- Cool boxes and picnic hampers
- Fake/replica/toy weapons
- Professional cameras with detachable lenses
- Video and/or audio recording equipment
- Tripods
- Selfie sticks
- Laser pens
- Helium balloons
- Golf umbrellas
- Large banners/flags
- Smoke grenades, flares and fireworks
- Studded belts, spiked dog collars, spiked wrist cuffs, trouser chains, sharp/large rings
- iPads and tablets
Items will be confiscated and returned after the event (except food and drink), which may delay your entry and exit. When in doubt, leave it at home. Prohibited items may vary by show; check your ticket terms and conditions.
*Should you need to bring an item/food/drink with you due to medical or religious reasons, please contact us before your visit.