Glastonbury carnival organisers slam 'aggressive' drivers after volunteers 'hit'

Glastonbury Carnival organisers have slammed "aggressive" drivers after claiming volunteers marshals were "driven at and hit". The final carnival of the 2024 Somerset circuit took place in Glastonbury on Saturday night as thousands turned out to see the historic procession.

However, the carnival's organisers were left raging at some drivers, claiming it "seriously spoils" the event. Taking to the the carnival's Facebook page, Hazel DeGregorio, Glastonbury Chairperson offered her thanks to everyone who had supported the event which took place this month - as it has for the last 160 years.

Described as "one of the biggest and most spectacular illuminated parades of its kind in Europe" the carnival has supported many local charities and organisations over the years. But she pointed out the that organisers and volunteers would rather do without one element of the event - dullard motorists who park their vehicles without consideration for anyone else and then become angry at blocked roads.

Having thanked volunteers and visitors Hazel did not mince her words or hold back, remarking: "What seriously spoils it for us as volunteers is the nature of some vehicle drivers."

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She wrote: "A NO PARKING zone - legally applied clearway zone - clearly means there is a reason for it, every part of the traffic route is planned, yet many decided to block the way for emergency vehicles.

"If you needed medical assistance and we could not get support to you, thank these lovely ignorant drivers. DO NOT just dump your car because you are late or even early - it is not acceptable.

"If you received a parking ticket - tough. as I said it's a legal clearway. Which means no parking from 9am and on any of our route and emergency exits. This also applies to blue badge holders there are no exceptions.

"Secondly and the worst part, the very aggressive drivers at road closures. Three volunteer marshals got driven at and hit last night, do you honestly think this is acceptable behaviour? We do not.

"So all of this left a sour taste last night, why as volunteers, do we want to run a carnival for you?" The Facebook pages commenters did not hold back and all plainly backed Hazel's take on the inconsiderate element.

One wrote: "Report ALL incidents of aggressive or dangerous driving to police. Provide as much evidence as possible to aid investigation and hopefully prosecution of offenders."

Another added: "Absolutely disgusting, the Carnival is a genuine representation of old ways, tradition and living folk art, a real Glastonbury and wider Somerset event. People who don’t respect it are not welcome here. I hope the police are investigating and charges are brought."

One man stated: "This is shocking and disappointing. We noticed last night the lack of spirit with people watching last night. They weren't clapping, cheering and some people came and stood in front of children, smoking and blocking their view. I clapped and cheered so loudly it made them move! I can't believe that people would move signs and hit people. I hope registrations were got and they'll be reported".

Another revealed: "I saw one person throw a road closure sign out the way just so they weren't stuck in traffic and I hope the people that got drove at got the car regs and they get reported".

One woman was absolutely incensed at the behaviour of certain individuals and was not afraid to speak her mind, saying: "This is ridiculous. Although we had no issues with drivers last night it was other spectators that ruined it for us. We have been going to the carnival at various locations for 20 years and last night there were some vile, selfish aggressive people in the crowd like I've never seen before!

"People need to stop thinking everything revolves around them and have more consideration for others be it other spectators, all the volunteers or the people on the floats themselves. This is and always has been a wonderful event that we have enjoyed every year.

"The floats were amazing this year as always but the evening was not as good as usual thanks to the selfish attitude of some of the spectators. We are all here to enjoy ourselves so let's all be a little more thoughtful of each other and respectful of the people giving up their time to make the event possible!"