Organisers of a popular West Country carnival have slammed “aggressive” drivers after alleging that volunteer marshals were “driven at and hit”. The historic Glastonbury Carnival, which is a highlight of the Somerset calendar, took place on Saturday night, drawing thousands to witness the spectacular illuminated procession.
However, the carnival’s success was marred by some motorists’ behaviour, which organisers claim “seriously spoils” the festivities. In a post on the carnival’s Facebook page, Hazel DeGregorio, Glastonbury Chairperson, expressed gratitude to all who supported the event, which has been a fixture for 160 years.
Touted as one of Europe’s most impressive illuminated parades, the carnival has long been a boon for local charities and groups. Yet, DeGregorio highlighted a persistent issue: inconsiderate drivers who park thoughtlessly and then react with hostility to roadblocks.
After praising the volunteers and attendees, Hazel did not shy away from expressing her frustration, stating: “What seriously spoils it for us as volunteers is the nature of some vehicle drivers”, reports Somerset Live.
She continued, pointing out the obvious disregard for no parking zones: “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 page’s commenters were in full agreement with Hazel’s sentiments. One commenter advised: “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 expressed their disgust: “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 person expressed his shock and disappointment, saying: “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 hope registrations were got and they’ll be reported”.
Another witness shared a similar experience, stating: “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”.
A woman was outraged by the behaviour of some individuals, 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! “.
She added: “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!”