Glastonbury is internationally synonymous with its iconic music festival, which annually transforms the Somerset town. However, beneath this celebrated reputation lies another, less visible reality: the town has become known as Britain’s caravan capital, with an estimated 300 people living in caravans, vans, and makeshift encampments scattered around the area.
This growing presence of caravans - approximately 150 reported in recent counts - has led to rising tensions among long-standing residents. Concerns have been raised about issues such as illegal dumping and disruptive behaviour attributed to those living in the vehicles. Yet these complaints mask the deeper struggles faced by many caravan dwellers, who seldom choose this lifestyle by preference.
Recent months have seen an escalation in hostilities. In June, two caravans were deliberately set alight, resulting in a gas cylinder explosion described as “like a bomb.” One resident spoke to The Guardian, describing the incident as feeling like a hate crime, expressing fears that the disaster could have been far worse if the wind direction had changed.
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Despite these challenges, for many individuals, Glastonbury remains a refuge. Content creator Joe Fish interviewed Lou, a caravan resident who declined temporary council housing on the grounds that caravan life provided a greater sense of security. Lou emphasised the vulnerability of people living on society’s edge, stating, “They’re just vulnerable people and you take away that support network and you can end up with trouble, and troubled people.”
Residents within Glastonbury’s caravans have formed informal mutual aid networks. However, these supportive communities are frequently disrupted by evictions and enforcement actions. Lou shared, “There’s a good little sort of community of people which is totally getting broken down every time we get moved on.”
She described the group as “the kindest people you could ever meet,” who share resources and help one another to survive day-to-day despite having little stability.
Local attitudes are mixed, with many residents calling for a reduction in caravan dwellings in the town, which stood at 157 in recent records. Conservative councillor Susannah Hart has called for Somerset Council to declare a “state of emergency” in response to the situation.
Currently, around 13,000 households are on Somerset’s housing waiting list known as the “homefinder,” all seeking access to affordable social housing.
Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, addressed the House of Commons highlighting that affordable housing in Somerset has effectively collapsed. She added that soaring rental prices are forcing some residents into caravans and motorhomes as a last resort.
Living in these conditions carries significant risks, including insufficient heating, lack of proper facilities, and potential exposure to violence. Joe Fish documented one caravan that had been severely damaged after a tree limb fell on it. “You can see this was being inhabited,” he said, noting the presence of food and cooking utensils still in place. The occupants, however, had since abandoned the caravan, which was now being used as an informal dumping site.
Councillor Ewan Cameron revealed that local authorities have removed over 100 abandoned vehicles in and around Glastonbury since 2021, at a cost of approximately £72,000.
Reflecting on the perspective of local residents, Joe Fish commented on how challenging the situation is: “If you live in these properties, how would you feel if this was the view that you look out on every morning?” Yet, he acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting, “At the moment, there is nowhere else for the van dwellers to actually call home.”