Glastonbury Carnival Organizers Consider Bodycams for Staff Following Spectator Abuse

Organizers have indicated that carnival workers may be equipped with body-worn cameras at upcoming events, in response to instances of abuse from spectators. The team responsible for the Glastonbury Carnival in Somerset reported that volunteers have experienced harassment over several years, compounded by issues arising from motorists disregarding road closures. Hazel Degregorio, the carnival’s chair, stated that the situation has deteriorated due to an unprecedented increase in attendance. She affirmed, “We’re just not going to tolerate it anymore.” Ms. Degregorio further commented, “Our little Somerset secret is no longer a secret, more and more people are coming to watch,” adding, “We have to deal with a volume of traffic our little towns are unable to cope with.” Ms. Degregorio also mentioned the possibility of marshals wearing body cameras next year. She remarked, “There’s a cost implication to that but I think it’s something we have to look at for the future.” She elaborated that the abuse directed at parking marshals during the carnival “happens every year” because “the general public seem to think they’re entitled to come through road closures,” which are implemented for safety. She concluded, “But this year, we decided to speak out.” In response, Avon and Somerset Police urged future attendees to exercise “patient and understanding” towards marshals and officers. A spokesperson stated, “We would like to remind everyone, not just motorists, to observe closures and abide by them for your own safety and others around you.”