The Great Hall Exeter Bag Policy

Alright, grab your coffee (or tea, I don’t judge), and let’s talk about something that’s way more important than it sounds: the bag policy at Exeter’s Great Hall. Yes, that Great Hall – the one with the sweeping ceilings, historic vibes, and apparently, a very personal relationship with your backpack. I went to a gig there last month, and I nearly had a meltdown at the door. Do not be me.

First, the vibe check

You’re not just walking into any old venue. The Great Hall is this majestic, medieval-meets-modern space inside the University of Exeter. Beautiful. But it’s also a bit of a fortress when it comes to security. They have a strict “no large bags” rule. Small is the keyword here. Like, “can you fit it under a tiny chair?” small.

So, what size are we talking? Usually, anything bigger than an A4 piece of paper is a no-go. That’s about the size of a standard notebook, or a paperback you’re pretending to read. Anything larger than 35cm x 25cm x 15cm? Forget it. They’ll turn you away faster than a cold cup of drip coffee.

The “bag check” dance

Here’s the real kicker: there is no bag drop or cloakroom. I know, right? It’s 2024, and we’re still living in the wild west of coat checks. You cannot just hand over your bag and dance in. If you show up with a backpack, you have to lug it around with you for the whole show. Or worse, you have to walk it back to your car or hotel. That’s a 10-minute round trip you did not budget for.

I saw a guy try to argue with security once. He was like, “But it’s a camera bag!” They didn’t care. Rules are rules. His camera spent the whole night peeking out of a plastic bin bag they gave him. Sad. Don’t be that guy.

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What you can actually bring

Okay, let’s be practical. What is safe? A small crossbody bag. A fanny pack (yes, wear it proudly). A clutch that’s basically a wallet on steroids. Basically, if it can’t hold a full-sized laptop, you’re golden. I brought a tiny canvas tote once, and I was fine – but only because it was folded in half and I pleaded innocence.

Pro tip: If you must bring a bag, make it soft. No hard cases, no fancy, rigid handbags. You’ll be standing in a crowd, and that thing becomes a weapon. Soft bags squeeze into those tiny spaces. They’re the yoga cats of accessories.

The weird exceptions

Medical bags and parenting essentials are usually okay, but you need to call ahead. Don’t just rock up with a diaper bag the size of a suitcase and hope for the best. That’s a recipe for a tense conversation with a very polite but firm steward. And they will search your stuff, too. They peek inside like they’re looking for contraband snacks. (Spoiler: they are.)

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Oh, and on that note – don’t bring your own snacks. The bar sells them. They will confiscate your granola bar. I’m not joking. I saw a woman lose her emergency chocolate bar. It was tragic, but also, kinda funny.

Why the fuss?

Look, I get it. The Great Hall has narrow corridors and loads of people. Big bags are a tripping hazard and a security headache. They’re trying to keep everyone safe and not burn the place down. Fine. But it also feels like you’re being punished for wanting to bring a jacket. The venue can get cold, by the way. So, wear layers, not a coat you plan to take off.

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My advice? Travel light. Like, “James Bond in a tuxedo” light. Phone, card, keys, maybe a lip balm. Leave the rest at home. You’ll thank me when you’re dancing freely and not wrestling with a tote bag between your knees.

The final verdict

The Great Hall bag policy is a bit like a grumpy friend: it’s strict, it’s inflexible, but it does have your best interests at heart – eventually. You just have to play by its rules. So, next time you’re heading to a show, take a moment. Check your bag. If it looks even slightly too big, ditch it. Your evening will be a hundred times better.

Now, go enjoy the gig. And if you see someone with a massive backpack, just give them a knowing nod. They’re in for a long night. You are not.