One of the world’s biggest festivals has secured a licence for the next ten years – only the second 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 2024.
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 Robert Richards, received only a few representations of which all concerns were satisfied by the deadline.
Since the application was submitted, 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.
Cllr Nigel Taylor, portfolio holder for regulatory 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 no representations.
“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.
Jeannette Marsh, chair of the licencing board added “We aren’t complacent – just because Glastonbury Festival now has a licence until 2024, 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.”
Robert Richards Glastonbury Festival Director said; “I would like to thank all the Mendip council officers who have worked together with the Glastonbury team to finalise the new license. It’s an example of the same team spirit that makes the Festival the success it is.”
This year’s Glastonbury Festival is expected to take place on June 27, 28 and 29. For more information about the festival visit: www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk