Michael Eavis: Glastonbury Festival may move to the Midlands in 2019
Glastonbury’s long-term future on Worthy Farm looks in doubt as festival founder Michael Eavis admits it may need to relocate in order to protect the farm – with a move to the Midlands on the cards.
Though not initially considered to be a permanent move, Eavis says the site, “about 100 miles up towards the Midlands” will be used every 5 years to help the current site recover.
The news follows unsuccessful discussions with land owners in Longleat after they visited the muddy 2016 site, which Eavis says was probably the worst condition the site has ever been in since the festival began in 1970.
“I’m arranging to move the show to a site that’s more suitable, but it would be a huge loss to Somerset if it went there forever” Eavis explained to the BBC.
Read: Glastonbury Fest drafts in Birmingham company to manufacture 200,000 reusable steel cups
Read: 14 must-have luxury camping gadgets and accessories for festival season
Read: 18 essential things you NEED to pack for a festival – plus 12 additional items to consider
It’s unsure where the new site will be – but the festival could pop up in the vast farmland areas of Gloucester, Hereford or Evesham, just outside the West Midlands.
“Most people are on side now and it’s a wonderful, wonderful boost for the whole of Somerset and beyond as well,” he added.
“I don’t want to lose it for ever, no way.”
Glastonbury will take a fallow year in 2018, with this year’s first headliner announced as Radiohead. Tickets are now sold out for the festival which takes place between 22-26 June 2017.
Founding editor of Counteract. Freelance travel and music journalist.