Flag Ban at Reading and Leeds Festivals

Organisers of the Reading and Leeds Festivals have confirmed that they are banning music fans from taking flags into the arenas at this years events. They have said flags will not be allowed in as they block the view of other people in the crowd.

The official websites for both festivals state: "No flags will be allowed into the arena. They restrict the view of people behind."

Melvin Benn, who runs both festivals, has said "The people behind them - not immediately behind them, but 20 or 30 rows behind them, can't see.”

Flags have been a festival tradition for the past couple of decades, but seemed to reach critical mass at this year's Glastonbury, particularly during Bruce Springsteen's headlining set.

Other changes for 2009 at both festivals include no on-site box office at the event itself, and no ticket collection point, as both events sold out weeks ago.

There is also a ban on aerosols over 100ml and gas canisters. Organisers also suggest that young-looking over-18s wear a wristband to prove they are old enough to buy alcohol.

The annual music events, which begin on Friday, will see 150 acts play over three days, including headliners The Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead and Kings of Leon.