Behind the scenes at Glastonbury's Children’s Hospice South West shop during festival season

By Laura Linham

20th Jun 2024 | Local News

 Zander Bruce at the Glastonbury CHSW shop (Submitted image/CHSW)
Zander Bruce at the Glastonbury CHSW shop (Submitted image/CHSW)

Glastonbury is globally renowned for its iconic music festival, drawing over 200,000 people to Worthy Farm in nearby Pilton each year.

However, the town itself, steeped in myth and legend and reputed to be the burial place of King Arthur, offers much more than just the festival.

Nestled in Glastonbury's unique High Street, filled with eclectic independent retailers selling everything from crystals to witchcraft books, lies the treasure trove that is the Children's Hospice South West charity shop.

As the fields of Pilton are prepared for the influx of festival-goers and the town braces itself for the influx of confused tourists, Zander Bruce, the shop manager, is also gearing up for the busy 'pre-festival' week.

"Glastonbury Festival is like the run-up to Christmas for us," said Zander. "We prepare our stock and sell during the run-up to the festival. It's one of our busiest periods of the year."

For both locals and visitors, the store, which underwent a major refit in November last year, is a go-to place for festival fashion. Shoppers have managed to snag designer outfits to wear on the festival circuit.

"We had a sack of items left in the store the other week and when we went through it, we found a Stella McCartney for Adidas jumpsuit among some other beautiful items," said Zander. "Normally, this would retail for around £200, but we put it on the shop floor for £45, and it was quickly snapped up by a man for his daughter to wear at festivals this summer.

"Glastonbury itself has no High Street retail clothing brands and instead is full of amazing independent businesses where you can buy everything from bohemian clothing to crystals. But I like to think, as the biggest charity retailer in the town, we offer an alternative, including a great mix of vintage and donated goods. We never know what is going to be donated each day.

"It's not only the locals who come in, but lots of tourists too. But what a visitor may think is an outfit to go to a festival, a local would wear to pop down to Morrisons on a Tuesday."

The shop isn't just about ladies' fashion; it's also popular with men. Male shoppers make a beeline for the store's vintage range, which stocks everything from branded t-shirts to Baja hoodies and even the colourful shell suits made famous in the 1980s.

"Our vintage men's range is really popular," said Zander. "As soon as it hits the rails, it sells."

But it's not just the clothing that draws in the customers. With bric-a-brac and women's fashion as top sellers, the store also offers books, homewares, children's clothing, and a range of accessories from jewellery to hats and shoes.

Although the Pilton festival is the best known, Glastonbury hosts many smaller festivals and events, providing ample opportunities for retail therapy.

"We have lots of events throughout the year," said Zander. "From the Fairy Ball, where everyone dresses as fairies for two days, to the Goddesses Conference and the annual Frost Fayre and carnival. Glastonbury is also a place which many visit for its Pagan and Christian traditions, with many making a pilgrimage here."

The store, which also has a fully accessible changing room for those with mobility problems, opens seven days a week. Zander, who joined the charity in the summer of 2017, oversees the day-to-day running of the store, helped by a team of volunteers – although more are needed.

"We are very much on the lookout for new volunteers," said Zander. "We have an amazing team of around a dozen helpers, but we really do need more to make what happens here, happen. It's a happy and fun place to work and raises money for an amazing cause. So I would encourage anyone who is popping in to have a look at what is on the shelves to also pick up a volunteering form and get involved."

The store also has two paid Manager's Assistant roles available. To find out more, visit Children's Hospice South West Jobs.

Zander says he is yet to meet any of the stars who appear at the festival each year. "But they are always welcome to pop in if they are looking for something new to wear," he joked. "We'd love to see them and tell them about the great work of our charity. And in hospice tradition, we'd be glad to serve them up a nice cup of tea and slice of cake."

     

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