Costs and Benefits of Glastonbury
| Type of Impact |
Cost (Disadvantage) |
Benefit (Advantage) |
|
Economic impacts
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The UK invests money in providing services and facilities for the event
There must be enough security to deal with drug crimes and a huge number of tourists
Due to the pandemic, locals who were previously hired as technicians or security guards will now have to find another job/occupation
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UK benefits financially since participants buy tickets, food and drinks there
100 people are permanently employed in the festival
Encourages government funding
Businesses, clubs and charities are dependent on the festival event for revenue
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Social impacts
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The community does not benefit from the event, because it is a self-contained site that provides all the services and goods people need so they do not make purchases outside
Local people may avoid the area during festival time to avoid traffic and overuse of local facilities
The local police and authorities are working near the festival area, so they are often not available to the locals who may need them
Due to the pandemic, the local community could not participate in the event that stimulates socialising and enjoying art events
|
Safe environment with secure safety procedures
Reduced crime rates (according to Avon and Somerset police) because of a “cashless” society where participants do not bring money into their tents
Being a well-known festival, international journalists come to report on the event and this allows the event to have a greater sphere of influence
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Environmental impacts
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Soil degradation due to footpaths being made and trampling on fields
High energy consumption
Noise pollution for people living near the Festival area
Produces 2000 tonnes of waste
|
Certified renewable energy uses via solar units
Participants remain in tents, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions emitted compared to those who return home and use their vehicles, generating more pollution
Saves 600 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions with the amount of trees planted that sink in carbon dioxide
Environmental policies that encourage greater awareness of sustainability
Banned use of single-use plastic bottles
Participants are persuaded to avoid using their cars by providing free shuttle buses or transport packages
Limited water consumption with lack of showers present on site
Glastonbury’s recycling centre recycles or reuses half of all waste at the festival
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