SecurityEventsBranch Info

Security at Concerts and Major Events: How Parcel Drop-offs and Click & Collect Are Screened

rroyalmail

2026-02-02

11 min read

How parcels, temporary lockers and click & collect are screened at concerts in 2026 — practical safety steps for attendees and organisers.

Concert safety starts at the gate: why you should care about parcel screening and click & collect in 2026

Large events are about music, memories and convenience — but they also bring a growing security challenge: parcels, bags and vendor drop‑offs and vendor deliveries that are difficult to inspect quickly or reliably. After multiple incidents and foiled plots in late 2024–2025 and new arrests in early 2026, event organisers, venues and logistics partners have accelerated screening and locker policies. If you plan to attend or run a click & collect point this year, understanding how screening, temporary lockers and drop‑off protocols work will help you stay safe, save time and avoid confiscated items.

Why parcel screening and secure drop‑offs matter now

High‑density public events are attractive targets for opportunistic and premeditated attacks. Recent cases — including violent confrontations outside venues reported in early 2026 and young people arrested for planning explosives at concerts in 2025 — changed how venues process parcels and deliveries.

Event security in 2026 is increasingly intelligence‑led and technology enabled. That means a stronger focus on pre‑event notifications, digital manifests and layered screening of anything delivered to a festival site, from artist gear to fan parcels and click & collect packages.

Recent developments shaping policy (late 2025 — early 2026)

High profile incidents and arrests in late 2025 and January 2026 prompted police and venue operators in the UK and Europe to tighten drop‑off rules, expand screening capacity and pilot new locker solutions. Those changes include more rigorous pre‑event vetting of suppliers, mandatory digital booking for courier deliveries to event perimeters, and expanded use of explosive trace detection (ETD) and AI‑assisted X‑ray screening.

How parcels, click & collect and temporary lockers are screened at events

Screening at events uses a layered approach. No single method catches everything; the goal is to build multiple, complementary checks that slow, detect and deter risks without creating mass queues or undermining the fan experience.

1. Pre‑arrival controls and digital manifests

Most major events now require courier pre‑notification. Senders submit a digital manifest listing contents, weight and sender details before delivery. Venues match arrivals to manifests and refuse unscheduled drop‑offs. Pre‑notice reduces suspicious surprise drops and speeds on‑site inspections.

2. Visual inspection and triage

At the entry or delivery gate, trained staff perform a visual inspection. This includes checking packaging for tamper marks, unusual wiring, or excessive tape. If something looks out of place, the item moves to secondary screening rather than entering general storage.

3. X‑ray and AI‑assisted image analysis

Portable X‑ray systems are widely used for small‑to‑medium parcels. In 2026 many event security teams combine X‑ray with AI assistance to flag suspect shapes and densities faster. This reduces human error and speeds throughput during peak delivery windows.

4. Explosive trace detection (ETD) and chemical screening

ETD swabs and handheld detectors are standard for anything that screens as suspicious. ETD is effective against trace explosive residues, but it is a supplement: it does not replace visual and X‑ray checks.

5. Sniffer dogs and remote screening hubs

Dogs remain valuable for rapid, wide‑area screening of multiple parcels. Larger events are also using remote screening hubs where high‑risk items are transported for advanced examination by specialists, limiting disruption to the main event perimeter.

6. Human security checks and chain‑of‑custody

Every screened parcel gets a record: who checked it, when and what the outcome was. That chain‑of‑custody is critical for evidence if a suspicious item is found and to reassure suppliers that goods were handled professionally.

Temporary lockers at festivals and stadiums: types and security features

Temporary lockers are now common at festivals and major venues to reduce unsecured items inside the arena and give fans a secure place for parcels. Expect three main models on site in 2026:

Manned locker kiosks — staffed by trained attendants who receive packages, perform identity checks and control access.
Automated locker banks — self‑service units accessed via QR codes or PINs; often monitored by CCTV and remote operators.
Hybrid solutions — automated units with a remote monitoring team who can open lockers after secondary screening or verification.

Security features to look for

CCTV coverage with retained footage for a minimum retention period.
Time‑limited access codes or single‑use QR codes tied to a ticket or ID.
Tamper‑evident seals and alarms on high‑value lockers.
Onsite screening or a rapid transfer process to secondary screening before a package goes into a locker.
Insurance and liability policies clearly published so users know what is and isn’t covered.

What locker providers and venues must do

Operators are expected to vet locker suppliers, ensure staff receive counter‑terrorism and first‑aid training, and integrate locker data with the event’s security management system. In 2026, many contracts now require compliance with local policing guidance and data protection rules.

Click & collect at events: screening and operational best practices

Click & collect remains a popular convenience — but it introduces a chain of custody risk when items are held in public spaces. Effective click & collect setups in 2026 focus on verified handoffs and minimal storage time.

For organisers: design your click & collect to reduce risk

Pre‑booked time slots to avoid crowding and allow security to plan screening.
ID checks and single‑use QR codes linked to the purchaser’s ticket to prevent impersonation.
Dedicated secure holding areas separated from general public flow and under CCTV and staff observation.
Clear drop‑off rules for vendors including required manifests, packaging standards and weight limits.
Fast turnover — shortages of storage mean items should not be held overnight unless re‑screened.

For attendees: how to collect safely and without delay

Pre‑book your collection slot and bring the exact ID or QR code required.
Remove loose batteries and prohibited items before handing to staff.
Keep a digital receipt and photograph of the package condition at drop‑off.
Arrive within your collection window to avoid your package being moved to long‑term storage and re‑screening.

Practical, actionable advice for eventgoers

If you're attending a concert or festival, these are simple steps that reduce your risk and speed your entry:

Check the event’s official guidance for click & collect, lockers, and prohibited items before you travel.
Pre‑book lockers where available — they often sell out but save time and reduce on‑site screening friction. See practical packing and fulfillment tips for pop‑ups in the field: coastal gift & pop‑up fulfillment kits.
Avoid sending parcels to the event unless necessary. If you must, use a registered courier and follow the venue’s pre‑notification rules.
Keep packaging simple and labelled with sender/recipient details; remove any non‑standard wiring or excess tape which triggers secondary checks.
Bring the correct ID and QR codes for pickup. No ID — no handover in many schemes.
Report suspicious items or behaviour to staff or stewards immediately. The official advice — “If you see something, say something” — still applies.

If you see something, say something — report suspicious packages or behaviour to the nearest steward or security post.

Practical advice for senders and small businesses using event drop‑offs

Companies and sellers who arrange deliveries to events must adapt logistics to security realities. Follow these steps to avoid delays and refusals:

Pre‑notify the venue with a digital manifest including item descriptions, dimensions, declared value and sender contact details.
Use tamper‑evident packaging and label contents clearly. For example, list “T‑shirt x 2” rather than vague terms that require manual inspection.
Be honest about hazardous materials — batteries and aerosols are common issues at events.
Coordinate delivery windows with the event’s logistics manager to reduce time at busy gates. For touring makers and vendor tech, see pop‑up tech and hybrid showroom kits: pop‑up tech & hybrid showrooms.
Keep records of who handled the delivery and confirmation of acceptance into the event storage system.

Practical advice for event organisers and security teams

Organisers need clear policies, good technology and trained people. Here’s a checklist to operationalise parcel screening and click & collect safely:

Risk assessment — update after any new intelligence and document mitigations for parcel handling and lockers.
Vendor rules — mandate pre‑notification and declare prohibited items.
Designated delivery zones — outside the main attendee flow and with immediate access to secondary screening.
Screening equipment and trained operators — X‑ray, ETD, sniffer dogs and AI‑enabled aids where budget permits. See hands‑on reviews of inspection and vendor drone tools for remote checks: SkyPort Mini FPV inspections.
Chain‑of‑custody procedures and digital logging for every parcel accepted or rejected.
Communications plan — clear signage, website FAQs and staff scripts for refusal reasons and refund logistics.
Police liaison — formal coordination with local counter‑terrorism and policing teams, including pre‑event briefs and on‑site points of contact.

Legal, privacy and data protection considerations (2026)

Screening and locker systems collect personal data (names, IDs, images, QR codes). In the UK and EU, organisers must comply with data protection laws like the UK GDPR. Key points:

Minimise retained data — keep only what you need for the shortest necessary period. If your event needs off‑site storage or cold storage for vendor goods, see remote cold‑chain and field storage options: solar‑powered cold boxes & batteries.
Publish a privacy notice explaining how locker and click & collect data will be used and retained.
Secure footage from CCTV and restrict access to authorised staff only.
Assess AI tools for bias and accuracy. Use vendors who can document their model testing and false positive rates.

Future predictions and 2026 trends: what to expect at your next concert

Expect these developments to accelerate through 2026:

AI‑assisted screening everywhere: faster, more reliable triage at gates and delivery points with fewer false alarms.
Consolidated logistics hubs: large festivals will use off‑site secure sorting areas with scheduled shuttle runs to the site, limiting items crossing the perimeter.
Integrated apps and ticketing: event apps will include locker booking, click & collect slots and digital manifests so attendees and vendors can track packages in real time.
Remote expert screening: suspicious items will be routed to centralised specialists via secure courier or robotic conveyances to preserve evidence and expedite clearances.
More regulation and standards: Governments and trade bodies are moving towards minimum standards for locker providers and event delivery systems — expect formal guidance and audit requirements.

Short case study: how best practice stopped a problem

At a major UK festival in 2025, on‑site staff noticed a deliberately ambiguous parcel label during a scheduled courier delivery. Pre‑notification data didn’t match the package size, so the parcel was diverted to secondary screening. An X‑ray flagged irregular internal shapes, ETD returned a trace alert and police attended to investigate. The combination of pre‑notice, trained staff and layered screening prevented a potentially serious escalation and caused minimal disruption to the festival. This incident is emblematic of the approach adopted across venues since late 2025.

What to do if you’re confronted with a suspicious parcel

Do not touch or move the item; keep a safe distance.
Alert event staff or a steward immediately and provide your location and a description.
Follow instructions from stewards and emergency services — they may establish an exclusion zone or evacuate as a precaution.
If you dropped or left a parcel unintentionally, inform staff and show any proof of ownership to avoid delayed responses.

Key takeaways

Preparation reduces security friction: pre‑book lockers, use official click & collect channels and follow venue rules.
Layered screening is the norm: visual checks, X‑ray, ETD, dogs and AI all have roles.
Chain‑of‑custody matters: digital manifests and logging speed responses and protect evidence. For practical packaging and fulfilment strategies for small sellers, see microbrand packaging & fulfillment.
Technology helps but people decide: well‑trained staff and clear policies are vital.

Final thoughts and call to action

Security at concerts and major events has evolved rapidly in response to real threats and real human tragedies. The interplay between screening technology, temporary lockers and organised click & collect systems creates both safety and convenience when implemented well. Whether you’re an attendee, vendor or event organiser, the easiest way to reduce risk is to follow official guidance, pre‑book where possible and use the authorised, screened channels provided at the venue.

Act now: Before your next event, check the venue’s official website for click & collect and locker rules, pre‑book a locker or collection slot, and save the event’s security hotline in your phone. If you run event logistics, update your manifest processes, vet your locker provider and schedule a security briefing with local police.

For local branch and drop‑off point information, use the venue’s official branch locator or logistics portal to find approved courier entrances and temporary locker locations — it’s the fastest way to ensure your parcel is both secure and accessible when you need it.

Want a checklist you can print or email to your team? Visit the event’s logistics page or contact the venue security office to request a copy of their parcel handling and locker policy before the gates open.

royalmail

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.