Glastonbury Town Council has announced plans to explore UNESCO World Heritage status for the town—a move that could put Glastonbury on the same prestigious list as Stonehenge and Bath.

But what would this mean for the town, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks? Here's what you need to know.

What is UNESCO World Heritage status?

World Heritage status is a designation awarded by UNESCO to sites of cultural, historical, or natural significance that are deemed to be of "Outstanding Universal Value." The aim is to protect these sites for future generations through stricter preservation measures and international recognition. There are currently over 1,100 UNESCO sites worldwide, including landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.

Why is Glastonbury being considered?

Glastonbury has a rich blend of history, mythology, and spiritual significance that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Tor, the Abbey ruins, and the town's associations with Arthurian legend and early Christianity make it a unique candidate. The Town Council believes this heritage deserves global recognition and protection. Achieving UNESCO status could celebrate Glastonbury's status as a cultural and spiritual destination, cementing its place on the global stage​

The potential benefits:

• Global Recognition: World Heritage status could significantly boost Glastonbury's visibility and establish it as a destination for heritage tourism. This could attract new types of visitors who are interested in history and culture, rather than solely those drawn by the festival or its spiritual atmosphere.
• Economic Growth: With increased tourism, local businesses—including hotels, restaurants, and shops—could see a rise in revenue. This boost to the economy could create jobs and encourage investment in the area.
• Conservation and Funding: UNESCO status often comes with access to international funding for preservation and conservation. This could help protect Glastonbury's fragile historic sites, ensuring that they are maintained to a high standard.
• Community Pride: Securing World Heritage status would be a prestigious achievement, fostering a sense of pride and identity among residents.

The potential drawbacks:

• Tourism Overload: While increased visitor numbers can bring economic benefits, they can also lead to overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. This has been a significant issue for other UNESCO sites like Venice, where tourism has altered the fabric of the town and displaced locals​.
• Rising Property Prices: With more visitors and international recognition, there's a risk that property values and rents could skyrocket, making it difficult for local residents and businesses to afford to stay.
• Strict Planning Restrictions: UNESCO designation comes with strict regulations to protect the site's "authenticity and integrity." This can mean restrictions on development and a lengthy approval process for even minor alterations, as seen in cities like Liverpool, which lost its World Heritage status due to new developments that UNESCO felt compromised its historical value​.
• Identity Concerns: Some worry that the push for UNESCO status could commercialise or sanitise Glastonbury's unique character. With its eclectic mix of history, spirituality, and counterculture, there's a risk that the town could become more of a "heritage museum" rather than a living community.

The road to World Heritage status

Securing UNESCO status is not a quick or easy process. It involves developing a detailed nomination file, proving the site's global significance, and demonstrating community support. The council will also need to navigate a series of evaluations by international experts, with input from Historic England and other national bodies.

The process can take several years and requires local, national, and international backing. Even if successful, maintaining the status is an ongoing commitment—failure to uphold the site's integrity can result in removal from the list, as seen in Liverpool​.

Have your say

The Town Council will be holding its first public consultation on Sunday, 13th October, from 10am to 4pm at Glastonbury Town Hall. This is just the start of a two-year consultation process that will shape the proposal and determine whether the community wants to pursue this designation. Residents and visitors alike are invited to learn more, ask questions, and share their thoughts on what World Heritage status could mean for Glastonbury.

Whether you think it's a golden opportunity or a risky gamble, now is the time to get involved and help decide Glastonbury's future.