Greenpeace has been a long-term partner of Glastonbury. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller

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Glastonbury Festival announces £5.9m payments to charitable causes in 2024

Paul JonesJanuary 7, 20250 Comment0

THE Glastonbury Festival donated more than £4 million directly to charities in 2024, organisers have announced.

In total, more than £5.9m was made in payments to charitable causes and campaigns last year, with £1.6m handed over services such as stewarding at the festival, which took place in June.

Support included a £2m donation to the NHS Somerset Charity, and £126,000 for NHS hospitals in Bristol.

“It is thanks to your support for the festival that these donations and charitable payments have been possible and together we have been able to help those facing challenges across the world,” a spokesperson said.

Oxfam, WaterAid and Greenpeace – Glastonbury’s charity partners – also benefited from support, while donations were also made to War Child, UNHCR and others “in these unprecedented times of conflict”, the festival said.

“In addition to this, we’d like to thank everyone who contributed to our Emergency Fundraiser Crowdfunder appeal which also supported people in conflict,” they went on.

“The Crowdfunder prize-draw raised £639,000 which the Festival matched, bringing the total to over £1.27m to fund the work of the British Red Cross, Oxfam and War Child, delivering humanitarian aid to those in need.

“Recent world events have highlighted the plight of refugees and asylum seekers both at home and overseas. We’re proud to have been able to support charities working with these groups, such as the UK Refugee Council and the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR.”

In order to support emerging artists and music venues, which the festival described as its “cultural lifeblood”, donations were also made to charities “promoting access to music for emerging artists, grass roots music, audiences, promoters and venues through donations to the Music Venue Trust”.

“Many of the festival’s wider community and crew are Bristol-based and this year we have donated to various projects in the city,” the spokesperson added.

“Among these are the Bristol Children’s Charity, Youth Moves, Young Bristol and Black2Nature all of which compassionately support families, vulnerable and young people in the Bristol area with a range of initiatives.”

Oxfam is one of Glastonbury Festival’s charity partners. Picture: Paul Jones/Somerset Leveller

In Pilton and other nearby towns and villages, the festival supported enrichment projects for primary schools and vegetable growing for community food banks.

“This year we have also donated towards the Somerset Carers’ network and supported local organisations like the Food Forest Project and the Somerset Wildlife Trust who work to support our immediate environment, promote its biodiversity and raise awareness through environmental advocacy and climate education.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who donate their time to support over 200 charities while providing essential services to Glastonbury Festival.”

The 2025 Glastonbury Festival is set to take place at Worthy Farm, Pilton, from June 25 to 29, featuring headliner Neil Young and Sir Rod Stewart, who will play the Sunday afternoon ‘legend’ slot on the Pyramid Stage.