Reading and Leeds Festivals opt to ban pineapples for 2017

In a move destined to raise eyebrows, Leeds and Reading Festivals have opted to ban pineapples for 2017, confirming that the fruit, once considered a luxury in sun-starved Britain, has been added to the prohibited items list for this year's events.

According to sources, the decision has come after fans of indie troupe Glass Animals, who are due to play at the twin UK events, turned up to shows brandishing the be-spiked food in preparation for the song 'Pork Soda', in which the tropical delicacy gets a reference. 

 “Organisers were a little concerned about hundreds of pineapples turning up on site so decided to ask fans not to bring them along," a spokesperson for the weekenders is quoted by the BBC as saying. 

Joe Seaward, who plays drums in the band at the centre of the furore, called the pineapple veto 'fruitist', querying why "watermelons are fine, but not pineapples?" Glass Animals performance at Glastonbury in June may well have fuelled the fears, where the stage was decorated with the iconic eats, and dedicated disciples went as far as paying homage to both track and snack with their fancy dress.

Anyone unsure about exactly what they can take with them to the festivals should check the full list of contraband here, which includes less surprising items such as weapons, drones, and illegal substances, although drug testing will be available on site courtesy of welfare organisation The Loop, which offered a similar service at Boomtown recently. Leeds and Reading Festivals run from 25th - 27th August 2017, at Bramham Park and Richfield Avenue respectively.