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The volunteer scheme taking first-timers to Glastonbury 2024: ‘We’re reaching people who wouldn’t get to go’

For financial or cultural reasons there are many who may never get the chance to enjoy the magic of Glastonbury. But now, a volunteer scheme is aiming to change that by offering places to refugees and others

There’s the blissed-out crowd watching the sunrise from the Stone Circle; the culture vultures making a beeline to hear talks from artists and other great thinkers; or those who crave peace and healing who head straight to the Green Fields. “But our young women on the scheme will have everything paid for: the travel, the tent will all be set up, there will be a welcome pack – we’ve even asked them their shoe sizes for wellies.” Volunteers will also receive a supply of sustainable toiletries so they can freshen up during their stay. The scheme, which Glastonbury is implementing for the first time this year, “is about reaching people who wouldn’t ordinarily get to go and experience that environment”, says Tamsin Baxter, executive director of fundraising and digital at the Refugee Council.

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