GLASTONBURY Festival has teamed up with The Trussell Trust to raise £116,738 for families facing financial hardship.

Members of the public had the chance to bid on tickets and once-in-a-lifetime festival experiences, such as the chance to watch a set from the viewing platform on the Pyramid Stage, take part in the festival's opening ceremony or even hit the ‘fire’ button on the legendary Arcadia Spider.

Many more prizes were also available from the scheme, which ran from February 6 until February 13 at 5pm, raising a total of £116,738.

The Trussell Trust says 320,000 people were forced to turn to a food bank for the first time between April and September 2022. 

Food banks in its networks provided an emergency food parcel to someone facing hardship every 13 seconds. 

All net proceeds, minus auction listing costs, went to the charity.

Emily Eavis, co-organiser of Glastonbury Festival, said: “We are really pleased to be able to partner with the Trussell Trust, who together with their network of food banks, work tremendously hard during these challenging times to provide food and practical support.”

Speaking before the auction, Emma Revie, CEO of the Trussell Trust, added: “People are struggling to survive amidst the soaring costs of food, energy bills and other essential items. 

"We are extremely grateful to Glastonbury Festival for offering such amazing experiences and enabling us to launch an auction that will raise vital funds.” 

Book tells story of Glastonbury Festival's first five decades 

Former County Gazette editor and Glastonbury Festival devotee Paul Jones has written a book charting the first 50 years of the event’s history, featuring the memories and experiences of dozens of artists who have performed at Worthy Farm.

Bridgwater Mercury: Paul Jones' Glastonbury book.Paul Jones' Glastonbury book. (Image: NQ Staff)

His book, View From The Stage: 50 Years of Glastonbury by the People that Played, has been described as a “brilliant collection of beautifully-written interviews” detailing some of its brightest and quirkiest moments. Interviewees include members of Oasis, Status Quo, Napalm Death and Toploader.

You can buy the book online for £6.50 (including UK P&P) HERE.