People hoping to attend a Mass blessing during the Pope's visit next month have been given an exhaustive list of what they can and cannot bring.

Among the items permitted for the London and Birmingham gatherings are sunblock, banners, flags, torches, cushions and small folding chairs.

But not welcome are alcohol, gazebos, canopies, barbecues, animals or candles, which are deemed “things that ... could pose a threat to yourself or others”.

Around 80,000 people are expected in Hyde Park, London, on September 18, with 65,000 in Birmingham's Cofton Park the following day.

They can expect sound levels of up to 96 decibels, according to the website, marginally louder than a lawnmower.