Festivals (SL IB Geography)

Economic impacts

The UK invests money in providing services and facilities for the event

There must be enough security to deal with drug crimes and a huge number of tourists

Due to the pandemic, locals who were previously hired as technicians or security guards will now have to find another job/occupation

UK benefits financially since participants buy tickets, food and drinks there

100 people are permanently employed in the festival

Encourages government funding

Businesses, clubs and charities are dependent on the festival event for revenue

Social impacts

The community does not benefit from the event, because it is a self-contained site that provides all the services and goods people need so they do not make purchases outside

Local people may avoid the area during festival time to avoid traffic and overuse of local facilities

The local police and authorities are working near the festival area, so they are often not available to the locals who may need them

Due to the pandemic, the local community could not participate in the event that stimulates socialising and enjoying art events

Safe environment with secure safety procedures

Reduced crime rates (according to Avon and Somerset police) because of a “cashless” society where participants do not bring money into their tents

Being a well-known festival, international journalists come to report on the event and this allows the event to have a greater sphere of influence

Environmental impacts

Soil degradation due to footpaths being made and trampling on fields

High energy consumption

Noise pollution for people living near the Festival area

Produces 2000 tonnes of waste

Certified renewable energy uses via solar units

Participants remain in tents, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions emitted compared to those who return home and use their vehicles, generating more pollution

Saves 600 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions with the amount of trees planted that sink in carbon dioxide

Environmental policies that encourage greater awareness of sustainability

Banned use of single-use plastic bottles 

Participants are persuaded to avoid using their cars by providing free shuttle buses or transport packages

Limited water consumption with lack of showers present on site

Glastonbury’s recycling centre recycles or reuses half of all waste at the festival