Glastonbury hosts first Co-operative Fair

By Laura Linham 26th Jun 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

Glastonbury has held its first Co-operative Fair, bringing community groups, organisations, businesses and residents together at the Town Hall.

The event took place on Monday evening as part of Co-operatives Fortnight, which is promoted by Co-operatives UK. This year's theme was "co-operate and we can change the world", and the evening opened with a specially commissioned poem by Tony Walsh called This Beautiful Idea, a tribute to the Rochdale Pioneers.

The fair celebrated Glastonbury's tradition of co-operation, mutual support and fair trade. It also explored how co-operative approaches could help strengthen communities and encourage greater participation in local decision-making.

Opening the event, Mayor Councillor Zoe Price welcomed attendees and spoke about Glastonbury Town Council's recent decision to join the Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network. The council became the first in Somerset to join the network.

Speaking about the principles behind the network, the Mayor said: "At its heart, the co-operative movement is built on a simple but powerful belief: that by working together, sharing power, and valuing every voice, we can create stronger, fairer, and more connected communities.

"That is the spirit of co-operation. Not the absence of difference, but the willingness to work together through it."

The evening included talks on how co-operative approaches are being used by organisations and local authorities across the country. Speakers included Graham Jeffery, chairman of the board of directors of Radstock Co-operative Society, who spoke about the history of the movement and the role co-operatives can play in supporting local economies.

Pete Vallance, strategy manager for the Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network, introduced the principles of co-operative engagement, inclusive participation, community wealth building and co-operative placemaking. His presentation included practical examples of how councils can work with residents and community organisations to shape local priorities and services.

Alex Lawrie, from South West Co-operative Development, gave an introduction to co-operative identity, values and principles. He also outlined the history of the movement and the opportunities it offers communities that want to take greater ownership of local projects and initiatives.

After the talks, attendees took part in round-table discussions hosted by local organisations and community representatives. Topics included housing, energy, transport, finance, community mapping, fair trade, food growing, gardening, arts and culture, and Glastonbury's visitor, spiritual and faith communities.

The event highlighted how many organisations in Glastonbury already work in co-operative, mutual or community-led ways. Participants shared experiences, identified common challenges and looked at opportunities for future collaboration.

The fair also explained Glastonbury Town Council's membership of the Co-operative Councils' Innovation Network. The CCIN is a national, non-party political network of councils that share ideas, resources and practical examples of how local authorities can work more closely with their communities.

Glastonbury Town Council joined the network as an associate member in April 2026. The category is designed for town, parish and community councils, giving them access to training, resources, events and peer support.

Through its membership, the council has already begun working with partners from across the country on the development of its Green Space Management Strategy. One example involves exploring ways to involve people who may not usually take part in council consultations, including young people and residents with diverse experiences and needs.

The approach is being developed with organisations including Children's World, with the aim of giving more people a meaningful role in shaping future plans for parks, recreation areas and green spaces.

Mayor Price said: "The Co-operative Council approach is not something the council does alone. It is something we build together."