Going to a gig in the UK: what the words mean

Updated 7 October 2026 · written and checked by a person, not generated

Every gig listing uses the same handful of words, and none of them get explained. This page does, once. Each answer is the general rule in the UK; where venues differ, it says so, and the gig page links to the official seller for the show's own terms.

What does doors mean at a gig?

Doors is the time the venue lets ticket holders in. It is not when the music starts: the first act usually goes on 30 to 60 minutes after doors, and at a club show the headliner is often on two hours or more after doors. Where a source states a doors time, the gig page shows it; where only one time is given, the page shows it as the start.

What time do gigs start and finish in the UK?

Most weeknight gigs at small and mid-sized venues open doors between 7pm and 7:30pm and finish by 10:30pm to 11pm, because the room's licence or a club night taking over afterwards sets a curfew. Arena shows typically run from 6:30pm doors to a 10:30pm finish. Weekend and festival shows run later. Set times are rarely published in advance; the venue's social accounts on the day are the usual source.

What is a curfew?

The time by which live music has to stop, set by the venue's licence or by a club night that takes the room over afterwards. The headliner's set is timed back from it, so a 10:30pm curfew and a 75-minute set means the headliner is on at about 9:15pm.

What do 14+, 16+ and 18+ mean?

The minimum age to attend. A 14+ show usually means under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; 16+ usually needs no adult; 18+ is the rule at most bars and clubs with a late licence. Each venue sets its own policy and may ask for photo ID. The gig page shows the age limit where the ticket seller states one; where it shows none, check the seller's page before buying for anyone under 18.

What is a presale, and when is general sale?

A presale is a window before general sale when a limited allocation is sold to people with a code: the band's mailing list, the venue or promoter's list, the ticket seller's members, or a card or phone-network scheme. General sale is when the remaining tickets open to everyone, usually a Friday at 10am for bigger tours. The gig page shows the general on-sale time where it is known, and can email you a reminder.

The gig is sold out. Can I still get a ticket?

Sometimes. Returns and extra production holds often come back to the official seller in the days before the show, so it is worth checking there again in the final week. Many sellers run face-value fan-to-fan resale for sold-out shows. Avoid unofficial resale sites: tickets bought there can be cancelled, and the price is rarely face value.

What happens to my ticket if a gig is rescheduled or cancelled?

If a show is cancelled, the official seller refunds the ticket price; whether booking fees are refunded depends on the seller's terms. If it is rescheduled, the ticket is valid for the new date, and most sellers offer a refund window for people who cannot make it. The seller emails ticket holders either way; the gig page shows the new date or the cancelled status once the listing is updated.

Is it standing or seated?

Club and academy-sized shows are almost always standing. Larger halls and arenas sell both, and a standing ticket at an arena is usually on the floor. Most larger venues have an accessible viewing platform; the venue's access line is the place to book it.

Who are the support acts, and when do they play?

Support acts open the show, usually one or two of them playing 30 to 45 minutes each, the first starting shortly after doors. Where a listing names more than one act, the gig page shows the full line-up and links to each act's page.

How early should I arrive?

For an unreserved standing show, arriving at doors is enough for a good spot at most club gigs; people who want the barrier queue before doors. Arrive by doors if you want to see the support. Bigger venues run bag checks and ticket scanning at the door, so allow extra time there.

What can I bring in?

Policies differ by venue. Arenas commonly limit bags to about A4 size and ban professional cameras; most venues ban glass and drinks brought from outside. Earplugs are a good idea at loud shows and many venues sell or give them out. Check the venue's own page for its bag and camera rules before you travel.

Do I need to print my ticket?

Usually not. Most tickets are now mobile tickets shown from the seller's app or a PDF on your phone. Some sellers delay releasing the barcode until a few days before the show to deter touting. The seller's confirmation email says how the ticket will be delivered.

See also