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".

The instructions - on the official papal visit website - even detail that hampers and cool boxes should "not exceed 20in x 13in x8in (51cm x 33cm x 20cm)".

They advise people to bring "provision for all weather conditions", "medication as needed for the duration of your time away from home" as well as emergency contact numbers.

Also needed is wet weather gear (rainwear) and "provision for sunny conditions (hats/caps, clothes to cover-up, sun cream)".

The advice includes: "Please be aware that the sun can burn even on a cloudy day. Please remember that overnight temperatures may drop significantly at this time of year."

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.

Pope Benedict XVI is also visiting Edinburgh and Glasgow during his four-day visit to the UK.