The force warned “robust action” will be taken against those who breach a number of orders in place this weekendFestival-goers enjoying The Wombats performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend festival in Sefton ParkFestival-goers enjoying The Wombats performance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival in Sefton Park(Image: Liverpool Echo)

A number of banned items were seized during the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend festival yesterday, Friday, May 23. Merseyside Police confirmed three drones were confiscated after they were flown into restricted airspace over the south Liverpool park.

A temporary airspace restriction is in place from 9am to 10.30pm each day from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, over parts of Sefton Park. This means it is an offence for any unmanned aircraft to fly below 2,000 ft above sea level in the designated area without the explicit permission of Merseyside Police.

Another temporary airspace restriction will be in place over Anfield Stadium between 10am and 10pm tomorrow, Sunday, May 25, and over parts of the Liverpool FC victory parade route from 9am to 10pm on Monday, May 26. This restriction will cover the area of Leeds Street, New Quay, Georges Dock Gate, Goree, Strand Street, Wapping, Chalenor Street and Sefton Street.

Merseyside Police will be monitoring the airspace in and around the restricted airspace.

A statement from the force which was shared with the ECHO this morning said: “We will specifically have officers in the air and on the ground to intercept drone pilots who do not follow the rules.

“Robust action will be taken and members of the public found breaching the order may face prosecution and or have their drone and associated equipment seized.”

Chief Inspector Chris Barnes said: “We are expecting hundreds of thousands of people to visit Liverpool over the Bank Holiday weekend and we have an extensive policing plan in place – which looks at land, river and air – to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone wanting to attend either Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sefton Park, the last match of the season at Anfield or the city-wide Victory parade.”

Full list of banned items at the festival

Drugs, including so called legal highs

Drones

Professional photography equipment

Animals other than registered assistance dogs

Alcohol (unless purchased on site)

Selfie Sticks

Chairs (except for registered access customers and those approved for accessible viewing areas)

Golf/large umbrellas (one metre or more)

Flags

Knives

Fireworks

Smoke canisters

Sky or Chinese lanterns

Gas canisters (including aerosols over 250ml and nitrous oxide / CO2 Dispensers)

Megaphones

Air horns

Sound systems

Spray cans

Balloons

Flares

Weapons

Dangerous or hazardous items

Laser devices

Glass (including perfume and aftershave)

Cans

Poles

Blowtorches

Unauthorised items for trading, including any goods using unauthorised event logos

Any article that might be used as a weapon and/or compromise public safety, including unofficial tabards/high-viz

Items you should bring

  • Tickets – Organisers say anyone going to the festival should have downloaded their ticket in the Ticketmaster app to be scanned on entry. Tickets saved in your Apple/Google Wallet will be accepted on entry; however, screenshots will not.
  • Clothes for any weather eventuality – hat, sunglasses, rainwear, warm clothing, etc.
  • Sunscreen
  • Empty reusable bottles of any size, metal or plastic (no glass) are permitted. Bottles must be sealed and untampered or empty so that they are not used for bringing in alcohol. You may be asked to dispose of liquid from any unsealed bottles. Please refill your empty bottles at the water points inside the arena for free.
  • Debit card/contactless payment – the event will operate as a contactless site, so you can pay with a debit card & Apple/Google Pay.
  • Bring ID if you are lucky enough to look under 18 in order to be admitted to the festival. We operate the Challenge 25 Policy, and you may be asked for ID to verify your age when purchasing alcohol. The following forms of ID are accepted: a valid passport, a valid EU photo card driving licence, or a photographic ID card with the National Proof of Age Standards Scheme – PASS – hologram.
  • Medication – Generally, medication is not allowed at the event; however, some people may need to carry this with them. If so, festival goers are asked to bring their prescription or a doctor’s letter, and ID that matches your name and address. Keep all medication in its original packaging with your name on the label. Only bring the amount you need for the day and be ready to show these at the entrance if asked.

Full details of the restrictions are available on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website. Drone pilots are also encouraged to check other sources of information such as NOTAM Info and Drone Safety Map, before flying.