THE pope has banned faithful followers from bringing vuvuzelas to his public appearances on his UK tour next month.

The controversial horns made famous by fans at South Africa's World Cup in June, were among a number of banned items at Pope Benedict XVI's events during his four-day tour, the papal press office confirmed.

Alcohol, barbecues, gazebos and even traditional candles are on the "do not bring" list on the pope's official visit website.

But papal officials gave the green light to banners and flags, blankets to sit on the ground and torches instead of candles.

The site's "bring" list also recommends pilgrims bring a camera to capture their brush with the leader of the Catholic world.

More than 80,000 people are expected to join the pope in London's Hyde Park for a prayer service on September 18.

Another 65,000 are due to attend the beatification of English convert Cardinal John Henry Newman at Birmingham's Cofton Park, in central England, the following day.



The ceremony is the final step before official sainthood in the Catholic Church.

A spokeswoman for the UK papal visit said: "The banned items are standard concert arrangements.



"Musical instruments or anything that makes that [vuvuzela] noise would be included in this." Candles were banned for health and safety reasons, she added.

The Pope will also visit Scotland in addition to London.

Originally published as Pope bans vuvuzelas on British tour