Glastonbury Goddess Conference apologises over Lammas fire

By Laura Linham 4th Aug 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Glastonbury Goddess Conference has apologised for going ahead with its Lammas fire after concern from the local community.

The apology follows criticism after images of the fire circulated online during a period of drought and wildfire warnings. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has been urging people to avoid lighting fires, campfires and disposable barbecues in the countryside while conditions remain dry.

In a statement, the Goddess Conference said: "We offer the community our unreserved apology for the decision to go ahead with our Lammas fire as part of our celebrations last week."

Organisers said the fire brigade had been consulted, the fire was managed by trained fire marshals, water was available on site and the fire was fully extinguished and raked cold before they left.

They added: "Although the fire brigade was consulted, the fire was managed by trained fire marshals, with ample water on site, and was fully extinguished and raked cold before we left, resulting in no damage being caused, we recognise that proceeding with it in the prevailing weather conditions caused concern within parts of the local community."

The group said the Lammas fire has been an important part of its tradition for many decades. But it said traditions must be balanced with responsibility when circumstances change.

The statement said: "We sincerely apologise for the concern our decision caused and will ensure that, in future, all of our outdoor activities are even more carefully assessed to ensure they are appropriate to the weather conditions and any associated fire risk."

The Goddess Conference has been part of the Glastonbury community since the 1990s and is now run as a Community Interest Company. It said its intention has always been to bring something positive to the town through celebration, culture, spirituality and community.

The statement added: "We are deeply sorry that, on this occasion, our decision caused concern and upset, and we are committed to learning from this and doing better in the future."

The apology comes after Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it had provided practical fire safety advice before the event, but had not approved the fire or given permission for it to go ahead. The service said responsibility for managing fire risks at an event rests with organisers.

Glastonbury Town Council also issued a wider warning last week, saying it did not condone or support the lighting of fires on its land or elsewhere during the current period of exceptionally dry weather and drought.