Glastonbury Festival granted licence

11 February 2010

One of the world's biggest festivals has secured a licence for the next six years - the first time it's been granted without a public hearing.

From this year Glastonbury Festival will be able to use its new premises licence to hold the event at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, until 2016.

In the past, Glastonbury Festival's licences have been subject to scrutiny in a public hearing because of objections from the public or concerns from those with an interest in the safety of the event such as the police, fire or ambulance services.

However, the new application, submitted by festival director Melvin Benn, has received few comments and almost no objections.

There had initially been some concern from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service about fire provision on site, however negotiations between fire chiefs and festival organisers have resolved these issues.

• Some of the key facts from the new licence include:
• No change in the number of ticket-holder and staff (177,500)
• The total amount of sound generated from stages will not increase
• The hours of alcohol sales will not increase
• The main emphasis behind security plans will remain the same
• The provisions of welfare and medical services will remain the same

One of the key issues to affect last year's festival was concerns over the amount of traffic heading towards the site before the festival properly got underway on the Friday.

As part of their new licence, organisers now have contingency plans in place to help minimise disruption to motorists and local residents.

Since the application was submitted on December 23, various organisations have had a chance to view it and add their views and resolve any issues with organisers from experts in public safety, noise management, fire, police, ambulance and many others.

The public was also given a chance to make their views known during a four-week consultation period.

Cllr Nigel Hewitt-Cooper, who is portfolio holder for neighbourhood services which includes licensing, said: "The partnership work between Mendip District Council, festival organisers and other authorities, and the dedication to continually improve this event every year, means that this new application has received very few comments.

"This is all down to the effective working relationships we have, and the drive to make this one of the best-run festivals in the world - and this has been rewarded in the past on a national level.

"But we aren't complacent - just because Glastonbury Festival now has a licence until 2016, this doesn't mean it escapes the close scrutiny that any event this size will have. We will continue to work with the organisers to ensure this remains one of the safest events anywhere, and if we have any doubts about this we will take action.

"We recognise how important it is to get this world famous event right, and the huge impact that it has on the local area and community, both positive and negative. It is our job as the local district council to ensure we use the opportunities it brings and mitigate the effects it has on local people - and we are confident that the new licence takes these issues on board and addresses any concerns."

This year's Glastonbury Festival is expected to take place on June 25, 26 and 27.

Last Updated

11 February 2010

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Page last updated on 11 February 2010