The popular Godney Gathering festival, traditionally held in the village of Godney near Glastonbury, is set to change its location after more than twelve years at its current site. The festival organisers have submitted a licensing application to Somerset Council proposing a move to Woodford Farm near Wells for the 2027 event.
This application requests permission for the sale of alcohol and the provision of live music and regulated entertainment at the new venue. While the specific site has yet to be officially confirmed, festival representatives have confirmed that an agreement with the new site’s owners is now in place.
Organisers have been forthcoming about the financial challenges faced by independent festivals in recent years. A spokesperson commented last month: “It’s no secret that the festival industry isn’t easy. Like so many independent events, we do this for the love of live music and the incredible community that makes the Gathering so special.”
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They further explained the decision to move: “After a great deal of thought, we have made the difficult decision to move The Godney Gathering for 2027. The village of Godney is where we began 15 years ago, with a single stage, single day event. We will always be thankful to the village and to Garslade Farm, which has hosted the festival for the past 12 years, allowing us to grow into the two-day event we celebrated this year.”
The organisers emphasised that this relocation aims to ensure the festival’s future amid an increasingly challenging environment for independent events, many of which have ceased operation in recent times.
The dates for the 2027 festival are confirmed for Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July. The festival’s website notes that the new site is not yet licensed, underlining the commitment to ensuring all legal permissions are secured before a full announcement is made.
The licensing application also highlights that the new venue may experience temporary increases in footfall, traffic, noise, and late-evening activity during operating hours. Members of the public wishing to submit comments on the application are advised to write to Somerset Council at Licensing, The Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5BT. The deadline for responses is 11.59pm on Friday 28 August. The full application is available for public viewing online.