Glastonbury Festival: Police make 36 arrests at 2023 event

The festival was held between Wednesday, June 21 and Sunday, June 25, starring Pyramid Stage headliners Sir Elton John, Guns N' Roses and Arctic Monkeys. 

Avon and Somerset Police recorded 134 “occurrences” such as thefts, drug offences, violence against the person and sexual offences.

Last year, 205 crimes were recorded and 19 arrests were made during the Worthy Farm festival, which cost £1.3 million to police. 

For the first time, this year's figures include occurrences and arrests made off-site including around the perimeter, on approach roads and in car parks.

Well that's a wrap for this years festival, and for this page which will return in the run up to Glastonbury 2024! 🥳

We really hope that you have enjoyed this years feed as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you 🙂

Until next year...#Glastonbury23 #LetTheCountdownBegin pic.twitter.com/OQvWlmOE0A

— Glastonbury Police (@PoliceAtGlasto) June 26, 2023

Breakdown of the 134 occurrences recorded by police

• 32 thefts
• 21 drug offences
• 27 violence against the person offences
• Eight sexual offences
• Three possession of offensive weapon offences
• One public order offence
• One fraud
• One burglary
• 40 crime-related incidents

Police say ‘crime-related’ incidents are when “there are grounds to suspect that a ‘victim-related’ crime may have taken place but no victim can immediately be found or identified”. 

They may be reclassified if a victim is located or comes forward.

Every year, the Avon and Somerset force works with festival organisers to adopt a “neighbourhood-style” approach to policing. 

Deputy PCC @ClaireHiscott had the privilege of joining @PoliceAtGlasto for a shift on Saturday, learning how they work to keep everyone safe.🏕️🎶

A massive shoutout to the dedicated police team who worked throughout the weekend, making the festival a memorable time for all. pic.twitter.com/axgxLiYDpM

— Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner (@AandSPCC) June 26, 2023

The festival's website says: “This involves regular visible patrols of the site by uniformed officers, officers on horseback and officers on bicycles.

“We encourage festival-goers to approach officers on patrol.

“They will be happy to stop and have a chat and will, once again, be giving out thousands of our mobile phone pouches.

“Other resources, such as plain-clothed officers and the police helicopter, will also be used when appropriate.

“To enhance security, we will also be carrying out Project Servator deployments in and around the festival site.”

On Monday, one festivalgoer tweeted: “Loved seeing such positive police content all week for once! 

“Fab community engagement, really enjoyed bumping into you on-site.”