Last updated: 3 September 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how The Riff Report Blog (“The Riff Report”, “we”, “us” or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit, browse, interact with, or otherwise use our website.
This policy explains what cookies are, why they may be used, the different categories of cookies that may be placed on your device, how third-party services may use cookies, and the choices available to you in relation to those technologies.
This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which provides further information about how we collect, use, store, disclose and protect personal information.
By continuing to use our website after being presented with our cookie consent options, you may be asked to indicate whether you consent to the use of non-essential cookies. Where consent is required by applicable law, non-essential cookies will not be placed or activated unless and until you have provided the necessary consent.
1. About The Riff Report
The Riff Report is an independent Welsh-based rock and metal publication covering music news, interviews, festival coverage, gig reviews, album and single releases, band features, entertainment commentary, photography, community content and other editorial material.
In order to operate our website effectively and provide visitors with a reliable browsing experience, we may use cookies and other similar technologies.
These technologies may assist with the technical operation of the website, security, performance monitoring, analytics, user preferences, embedded media, advertising, affiliate services and other website functionality.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files containing limited amounts of information that may be downloaded to or stored on your computer, smartphone, tablet or other internet-enabled device when you visit a website.
Cookies allow websites to recognise a visitor’s device and may store information about the visitor’s preferences, browsing activity or interaction with particular services.
Cookies do not normally contain information that directly identifies an individual by name. However, information stored in or obtained through cookies may sometimes be associated with other information that could identify or distinguish a particular user or device.
Depending on their purpose, cookies may be used to:
- Enable essential website functionality.
- Maintain website security.
- Remember user preferences.
- Record cookie consent choices.
- Analyse website traffic.
- Understand how visitors interact with pages.
- Measure website performance.
- Identify technical problems.
- Deliver embedded media.
- Support advertising and marketing.
- Measure advertising effectiveness.
- Support affiliate marketing arrangements.
- Improve future website content and functionality.
3. Similar Technologies
In addition to traditional cookies, The Riff Report or third-party service providers may use technologies that perform similar functions.
These technologies may include:
- Pixels.
- Tags.
- Tracking scripts.
- Web beacons.
- Local storage.
- Software development kits.
- Device identifiers.
- Embedded scripts.
- Browser storage technologies.
- Analytics technologies.
For the purposes of this Cookie Policy, references to “cookies” may also include these similar technologies where appropriate.
4. First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
Cookies used through The Riff Report may be categorised as either first-party cookies or third-party cookies.
First-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are cookies placed directly by The Riff Report or by services operating on our behalf under our website domain.
These cookies may be used for essential website functionality, security, administration, user preferences, consent management or analytics.
Third-Party Cookies
Third-party cookies are cookies placed by external organisations whose services, content or functionality may appear on or be integrated with The Riff Report website.
Examples may include analytics providers, video platforms, social media networks, advertising platforms, ticketing providers, content delivery services, security providers or other external services.
Third-party organisations are responsible for their own cookies and the way in which information collected through those cookies is processed.
We recommend reviewing the privacy and cookie policies of relevant third-party providers for further information.
5. Session and Persistent Cookies
Cookies may also be classified according to how long they remain on your device.
Session Cookies
Session cookies are temporary cookies that generally remain active only for the duration of your browser session.
They are usually deleted automatically when you close your browser.
Session cookies may be used to maintain website functionality as you move between pages or to support temporary website operations.
Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies remain on your device after you close your browser.
They remain stored until they reach their expiry date or until you manually delete them.
Persistent cookies may be used to remember preferences, identify returning browsers, maintain cookie consent choices or support analytics and similar functionality.
6. Categories of Cookies We May Use
The specific cookies used by The Riff Report may change over time as the website, plugins and services we use evolve.
The categories below describe the main types of cookies that may be used.
7. Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly necessary cookies are required for the operation, security or basic functionality of the website.
These cookies may be necessary to:
- Load pages correctly.
- Maintain secure website connections.
- Protect the website against malicious activity.
- Prevent fraud or abuse.
- Manage website sessions.
- Support account or login functionality where applicable.
- Save cookie consent preferences.
- Maintain website administration functions.
- Ensure technical stability.
- Deliver essential website features.
Because these cookies are necessary for the website to function properly, they do not normally require consent under applicable UK data protection and electronic communications rules.
Users may still be able to block these cookies through their browser settings. However, doing so could result in parts of the website failing to operate correctly.
8. Functional Cookies
Functional cookies allow the website to provide enhanced features or remember choices made by visitors.
These cookies may be used to remember:
- Preferred website settings.
- Display preferences.
- Language settings.
- Previously selected options.
- Interaction preferences.
- Accessibility preferences where supported.
Functional cookies may also support certain third-party tools or embedded services.
Where required by law, we will request consent before placing non-essential functional cookies.
If these cookies are disabled, some optional website features may not function as intended.
9. Analytics and Performance Cookies
Analytics and performance cookies help us understand how visitors use The Riff Report.
These cookies may collect information about:
- The number of visitors to the website.
- Pages visited.
- Popular articles or sections.
- Approximate duration of visits.
- Traffic sources.
- Referral websites.
- General interaction patterns.
- Browser types.
- Device categories.
- Operating systems.
- Screen sizes.
- Approximate geographic information.
- Page loading performance.
- Technical errors or failed page requests.
- Whether visitors are new or returning.
We may use this information to improve the structure, performance, content and usability of the website.
Analytics information may be aggregated or pseudonymised where possible.
Analytics cookies are considered non-essential and, where required by law, will only be used with your consent.
10. Advertising Cookies
The Riff Report may display advertising or use advertising services.
Advertising cookies may be used by us or third-party advertising providers to:
- Display advertisements.
- Measure advertisement impressions.
- Measure interactions with advertising.
- Assess the effectiveness of campaigns.
- Limit the number of times an advertisement is shown.
- Understand general visitor interests.
- Provide more relevant advertising.
- Measure referrals or conversions.
Advertising providers may use information collected across different websites, applications or services in accordance with their own privacy policies.
Where required by law, advertising cookies will only be placed after you have given consent.
11. Marketing Cookies
Marketing cookies may be used to support promotional activity, audience measurement or campaign analysis.
These cookies may help determine whether visitors have interacted with content, promotions or marketing campaigns.
Marketing technologies may also be used in connection with social media platforms or other third-party services.
Where marketing cookies are not strictly necessary, we will seek consent before activating them where required.
12. Affiliate Cookies
The Riff Report may occasionally include affiliate links or participate in affiliate marketing programmes.
When you click an affiliate link, the relevant affiliate network, retailer or service provider may place a cookie on your device.
This cookie may be used to determine whether a purchase, registration or other qualifying action occurred after you followed a link from The Riff Report.
Affiliate cookies may enable us to receive a commission or other benefit at no additional cost to you.
Affiliate networks and retailers operate according to their own cookie and privacy policies.
13. Social Media Cookies
The Riff Report may include links, sharing buttons, embedded posts or other integrations from social media platforms.
These may include services such as:
- Facebook.
- Instagram.
- X.
- TikTok.
- YouTube.
- Other social media or content-sharing platforms.
Where social media functionality is embedded directly into a page, the relevant provider may place cookies or collect information about your device and interaction with the content.
This may occur whether or not you are logged into an account with the relevant platform.
If you are logged into the service, the platform may be able to associate your interaction with your account.
The operation of these technologies is controlled by the relevant third-party provider and is subject to that provider’s own privacy and cookie policies.
14. Embedded Video and Audio Content
The Riff Report may embed video, audio or other multimedia content from third-party services.
Examples could include:
- YouTube videos.
- Music players.
- Streaming services.
- Podcast platforms.
- Video hosting providers.
- Social media video platforms.
When embedded content is loaded, the third-party provider may collect technical information or place cookies on your device.
Depending on your consent choices and the technical configuration of the website, some embedded content may remain blocked until you consent to the relevant cookie category.
15. Third-Party Ticketing and Event Services
Our articles may contain links to ticket providers, promoters, festival websites, booking services or other event-related third parties.
If these services are embedded directly within our website, they may use cookies or similar technologies.
If you follow an external link, you will leave The Riff Report website and become subject to the privacy and cookie practices of the relevant third party.
We are not responsible for the way external websites use cookies.
16. Website Security Cookies
We may use cookies or similar technologies to help protect The Riff Report against:
- Spam.
- Automated attacks.
- Malicious login attempts.
- Fraud.
- Abuse.
- Unauthorised access.
- Distributed denial-of-service attacks.
- Suspicious website activity.
Security services may process technical information including IP addresses, browser information, request details and security-related identifiers.
These services may be considered essential to the safe operation of our website.
17. Content Management and Website Plugins
The Riff Report may operate using a content management system and additional plugins or website extensions.
These technologies may place cookies for purposes including:
- Website administration.
- Security.
- Content delivery.
- Spam prevention.
- Caching.
- Image optimisation.
- User sessions.
- Analytics.
- Comments.
- Forms.
- Social sharing.
- Consent management.
- Website performance.
The cookies used may change when website plugins are added, removed or updated.
We periodically review the services operating on our website and may amend this Cookie Policy where appropriate.
18. Cookie Consent
When you first visit The Riff Report, you may be presented with a cookie banner or consent management tool.
Depending on the technologies in use, you may be provided with options to:
- Accept all cookies.
- Reject non-essential cookies.
- Accept selected categories of cookies.
- Review more detailed cookie information.
- Change your choices at a later date.
Your consent preferences may themselves be stored using an essential cookie so that we can remember your choice.
19. Withdrawing or Changing Consent
Where the use of a cookie is based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.
Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of any processing that took place before consent was withdrawn.
Where available, you can change your preferences using the cookie settings or consent management function on our website.
You may also delete cookies through your browser settings.
Following deletion, you may be asked to provide your cookie preferences again when you next visit the website.
20. Managing Cookies Through Your Browser
Most internet browsers allow users to control cookies through their settings.
Depending on the browser you use, you may be able to:
- View stored cookies.
- Delete individual cookies.
- Delete all cookies.
- Block first-party cookies.
- Block third-party cookies.
- Prevent websites from storing cookies.
- Delete cookies automatically when the browser closes.
- Receive notifications when websites attempt to place cookies.
The method for managing cookies varies between browsers and devices.
You should consult the help or privacy section of your browser for detailed instructions.
Please note that restricting or disabling cookies may affect the availability or performance of certain website features.
21. Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers offer a “Do Not Track” function or similar privacy setting.
There is currently no universally accepted technical or legal standard governing how websites must respond to all such signals.
Where appropriate, we will continue to review developments in browser-based privacy controls and applicable regulatory guidance.
22. International Data Transfers
Some third-party services used by The Riff Report may process data outside the United Kingdom.
For example, certain analytics, advertising, social media, hosting or content delivery providers may operate internationally.
Where personal information is transferred internationally, the relevant organisation is responsible for implementing appropriate safeguards in accordance with applicable data protection law.
Further information about international data transfers may be provided in our Privacy Policy or in the privacy information published by the relevant third-party provider.
23. Personal Data and Cookies
Some cookie-related information may constitute personal data under UK data protection law.
This may include information such as:
- IP addresses.
- Online identifiers.
- Device identifiers.
- Cookie identifiers.
- Browser information.
- Usage information.
- Approximate location information.
Where information collected through cookies constitutes personal data, we will process it in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable law.
24. Legal Basis for Using Cookies
The legal basis for processing information collected through cookies will depend on the type and purpose of the cookie.
Strictly necessary cookies may be used where they are required to provide a service requested by the user, maintain website security or enable essential functionality.
For analytics, advertising, marketing and certain functional cookies, we may rely on your consent where required by law.
Where personal data is processed in connection with cookies, the applicable legal basis under UK GDPR may include consent, legitimate interests or another lawful basis depending on the circumstances.
25. Children’s Privacy
The Riff Report is primarily intended for a general audience interested in music, entertainment and live events.
We do not knowingly use cookies for the purpose of profiling children for targeted advertising.
Where third-party services are accessible through the website, those services may apply their own age restrictions, privacy policies and cookie practices.
Parents and guardians should review privacy settings on devices and browsers used by children and young people.
26. How Long Cookies Are Stored
The duration for which cookies remain on a device varies depending on the individual cookie.
Some cookies expire when a browser session ends.
Others may remain for days, months or longer.
The expiry period is normally determined by the organisation responsible for placing the cookie and the purpose for which it is used.
Where practical, we aim to ensure cookies are not retained for longer than necessary for their intended purpose.
27. External Websites
The Riff Report frequently links to external websites, including:
- Band websites.
- Festival websites.
- Venue websites.
- Ticketing providers.
- Music services.
- Retailers.
- Social media platforms.
- News sources.
- Other third-party services.
This Cookie Policy applies only to The Riff Report website.
When you follow a link to another website, you should review that organisation’s own privacy and cookie policies.
We are not responsible for cookies placed by external websites after you leave The Riff Report.
28. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy periodically.
Changes may be made to reflect:
- New website functionality.
- Changes in the cookies we use.
- Changes to third-party services.
- New plugins or website integrations.
- Changes in advertising arrangements.
- Changes in analytics services.
- Changes in applicable legislation.
- Regulatory guidance.
- Changes to our privacy practices.
When significant amendments are made, we may update the “Last updated” date shown at the beginning of this policy.
We recommend reviewing this policy periodically to remain informed about how cookies are used.
29. UK Data Protection and Privacy Legislation
Our use of cookies is intended to comply with applicable UK privacy and data protection requirements, including where relevant:
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation.
- The Data Protection Act 2018.
- The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003, as amended.
- Relevant guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Where consent is legally required before storing or accessing information on a user’s device, we aim to obtain that consent through our cookie consent mechanism.
30. Your Rights
Where information collected through cookies constitutes personal data, you may have rights under UK data protection law.
Depending on the circumstances, these may include the right to:
- Request access to personal data.
- Request correction of inaccurate personal data.
- Request deletion of personal data.
- Restrict certain processing.
- Object to certain processing.
- Withdraw consent.
- Request data portability in applicable circumstances.
- Lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.
Further details about these rights and how to exercise them should be available in our Privacy Policy.
31. Complaints
If you have concerns about the way The Riff Report uses cookies or processes personal information, we encourage you to contact us first so that we have an opportunity to address your concerns.
You may also have the right to raise a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent regulator for data protection and information rights.
32. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns or requests regarding this Cookie Policy or the use of cookies on The Riff Report website, please contact us using the contact details published on our website.
Please provide sufficient information to allow us to understand and respond to your enquiry.
33. Final Statement
The Riff Report is committed to operating its website transparently and responsibly.
Cookies and related technologies can play an important role in operating a modern website, but we recognise that visitors should be provided with clear information and meaningful choices regarding non-essential tracking technologies.
We will continue to review our use of cookies, third-party technologies and consent mechanisms as our website develops and as applicable privacy requirements evolve.
The Riff Report Blog
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Independent rock and metal journalism from Wales.
