Glastonbury Town Council has announced its bid to gain UNESCO World Heritage status—a move that could see the town join the ranks of world-famous sites like the Great Barrier Reef and Machu Picchu.

The council is aiming to put Glastonbury's historic and spiritual significance on the global map and the first public consultation will take place on Sunday 13th October from 10am to 4pm, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more and have their say.

Winning this prestigious recognition isn't just about boosting Glastonbury's profile—it's about protecting and preserving the town's heritage for generations to come. If successful, the status would mean any future developments around Glastonbury would face some of the strictest planning controls in the country, ensuring that its unique character and charm are safeguarded.

Chair of the Glastonbury World Heritage Status Committee, Cllr Jon Cousins, called on the community to get behind the initiative. He said: "I am delighted that our council is prepared to take this positive step on behalf of all the residents of Glastonbury. It is vital that we have strong community support for this initiative over the next few years, so all local people and stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment and be consulted on the emerging proposals concerning World Heritage status."

Achieving World Heritage status is no small feat.

It involves a lengthy evaluation process by UNESCO, where the town must prove its Outstanding Universal Value.

To support the bid, the council has brought in specialist consultants who will spend the next two years developing a case for Historic England and the Government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport. Only then will the proposal be formally considered by UNESCO.

The council's ambition is to see Glastonbury ranked alongside the UK's other World Heritage Sites like Stonehenge and the City of Bath.

The stakes are high, but the rewards could be transformative—not just for tourism, but for the preservation of the town's unique blend of history, myth, and legend.

With Glastonbury's reputation as a centre of pilgrimage and spirituality known worldwide, gaining UNESCO status would cement its place as a cultural landmark on the global stage. For now, though, it's up to the community to shape the future of the town.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend the event on 14th September to have their say and learn more about the road ahead. If you want Glastonbury's history and heritage to be celebrated and safeguarded, now is the time to get involved.