Glastonbury Festival traffic ‘handled better than ever’ in 2025

Traffic management around the 2025 Glastonbury was the “most successful to date” according to a report.

The report by the Glastonbury Scrutiny Committee at Somerset Council also says the authority spent less money on staffing the festival this year.

The traffic management plan for the 2025 festival, which was attended by some 210,000 people, was “delivered with a high degree of professionalism and collaboration, resulting in one of the most successful operations to date”, the report added.

Kelly Sumner, chair of Pilton Parish Council, added: “In our wrap-up meeting, villagers’ comments were overwhelmingly supportive of how well the traffic was managed for the 2025 festival.”

There have been issues with congestion in the past, with some festival-goers stuck in their cars for up to 12 hours in 2016.

The report on this year’s event said: “Careful planning and coordination between Somerset Council’s Traffic Management team, festival organisers, and contractors ensured that over 210,000 visitors were able to access the site efficiently, with minimal disruption to local communities and road networks.”

It added that by cutting the number of staff needed and removing a shuttle bus service, the council spent less money on the festival compared to the 2023 and 2024 events.

That has resulted in a saving of 23%, or £6,400, compared to 2024, but that none of the changes affected the council’s ability to fulfil its official roles.

The report will be debated by the council on Monday.