Glastonbury, widely recognised for its iconic annual music festival that draws crowds from across the globe, has gained an additional, more complex identity as the UK’s caravan capital. Approximately 300 individuals currently reside in caravans and makeshift encampments around the Somerset town, highlighting a deepening homelessness crisis.
The presence of around 150 caravans scattered throughout the area has led to escalating tensions with established residents. Concerns have been raised over issues such as illegal waste dumping and disruptive behaviour attributed to some van dwellers. However, these complaints sit alongside stories of genuine hardship, as many living in caravans have little choice in their circumstances.
Tensions have intensified in recent months. In June, two caravans were deliberately set on fire, resulting in an explosion when a cooking gas cylinder ignited. A local caravan resident described the attack as feeling like a hate crime, noting the potential for far worse consequences had the wind direction differed.
READ MORE: Weston-super-Mare Suffer First Defeat of the Season as Dover Athletic Score Late Winner
READ MORE: Lando Norris praises his performance after Dutch GP victory boosts title hopes
Despite growing animosity, Glastonbury remains a refuge for many vulnerable individuals. Content creator Joe Fish spoke with Lou, a resident who declined temporary council housing, fearing that caravan life offers better security than unfamiliar accommodation. Lou emphasised the importance of the community support system among the caravan dwellers and the risks involved in disruption: “There’s a good little sort of community of people which is totally getting broken down every time we get moved on.”
She reflected on the kindness within this community, where people with little stability rely on one another for support in facing uncertain day-to-day existence.
Yet a significant portion of Glastonbury’s population advocates for a reduction in caravan dwellings, which numbered 157 in the most recent counts. Conservative councillor Susannah Hart has called on Somerset Council to declare a state of emergency in response to the crisis.
Currently, around 13,000 households await social housing through Somerset’s “homefinder” list, a figure that illustrates substantial demand.
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, addressed the House of Commons to highlight the collapse of affordable housing availability in Somerset, coupled with soaring rental prices, which have forced many residents into vans and motorhomes as a last resort.
Living in caravans poses significant risks, including inadequate heating, limited facilities, and vulnerability to violence. Joe Fish encountered a severely damaged caravan, evidently still occupied until recently, with cooking utensils left inside. Following abandonment, such vehicles can become informal dumping sites, further complicating local management efforts.
Since 2021, local authorities have removed over 100 abandoned vehicles from Glastonbury and surrounding areas, incurring costs approaching £72,000, according to Councillor Ewan Cameron.
The situation poses a dilemma for both caravan dwellers and local residents. As Joe reflects, “If you live in these properties, how would you feel if this was the view you looked out on every morning?” He acknowledges the complexity and adds, “At the moment, there is nowhere else for the van dwellers to actually call home.”