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Ariana Grande selling new merch to speed fans through security at US shows, announced as Manchester Pride headliner
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 26 February 2019
Ariana Grande has asked fans planning to attend her upcoming US tour dates to buy clear plastic branded bags which will adhere to security restrictions at the shows.
In a message on Instagram, Grande told fans: “We’re sending out emails soon encouraging you to order a clear bag to bring your things into the venues, as security is going to be very precise and smooth but for sure super strict”.
“They’re super cheap and simple”, she added of the branded bags, “but having them ahead of time will for sure help things go as smooth as possible”.
It won’t be mandatory to have a branded bag. However, according to information on the Ticketmaster US website, each attendee will only be allowed to take one entirely clear plastic bag into the venue with them. Bags must not be larger than twelve inches by six inches by twelve inches. Resealable freezer bags are also acceptable, up to a one gallon size.
Of course, buying the official branded bag will mean fans don’t have to worry about sizes, and will also have a memento of that time going to a concert was like taking toothpaste on an aeroplane.
So far these restrictions only seem to apply for the US shows, which are due to begin on 18 Mar. The European leg of the tour is set to being in London on 17 Aug.
Grande has also just added an extra UK date to the tour, announcing that she will headline Manchester Pride on 25 Aug. The musician had previously hinted that she had “a special show” planned in Manchester, but had not revealed any details.
In a statement, Manchester Pride CEO Mark Fletcher says: “This year marks a big change for the festival as it continues to evolve. Previously we had one event running over the weekend and this year we have two, each with a distinct offering. At Manchester Pride Live we’re truly honoured to be welcoming Ariana back to the city to help us celebrate LGBT+ life”.
That other event, taking place on 24 Aug, will be headlined by Years & Years.
Grande’s show will be her first performance in Manchester since 2017’s Manchester One Love show, which – of course – was staged two weeks after the bomb attack at the end of her concert at Manchester Arena.
