GLASTONBURY founder Michael Eavis is among those recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours list.
But who is the man behind the iconic festival, why was Glastonbury founded and where is the famous farm located? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis?
Michael Eavis, born October 17, 1935, in Pilton, Somerset, is an English dairy farmer and co-creator of Glastonbury Festival.
In 1954, he inherited his parents’ 150-acre farm, however, it wasn’t until years later that he had the idea to host a festival.
In 1969, Michael was inspired by a Led Zeppelin performance at the Bath Festival of Blues, and hosted his own Pilton Pop Folk & Blues Festival one year later.
The following year, the festival morphed into Glastonbury Fair, which eventually evolved into the Glastonbury Festival, which so many people know and love today.
Since then, Glastonbury has become the largest greenfield festival in the world and is attended by around 200,000 people each year.
In December 2023, Michael was awarded a knighthood for services to music and charity and now becomes Sir Michael.
Each festival contributes more than £2m to charity.
Responding to the announcement, Sir Michael joked that he may “take a couple of tickets” in his pocket if the Prince of Wales performs the investiture ceremony.
Prior to receiving a knighthood, the farmer was made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2007.
Aside from his work with Glastonbury, Sir Michael has also been politically active and unsuccessfully stood as a candidate for the Labour Party in 1997.
Who is Michael Eavis’ daughter Emily?
Emily Eavis, born July 1970, is the daughter of Michael and a co-organiser of the annual Glastonbury Festival.
Although Sir Michael is still active in the running of the iconic festival, his daughter Emily and her husband take full responsibility for the line-up.
In an interview with the official Glastonbury website, Sir Michael said his daughter Emily had brought him the official letter about his knighthood, adding: “I was really surprised to see it, actually. Why did they choose me I wonder?”
Where is Glastonbury site Worthy Farm located?
Located in the village of Pilton, Somerset, Worthy Farm is the birthplace of the nation’s most famous festival.
The festival is named after the town of Glastonbury, which is the closest big settlement and a 20 minute drive from the farm itself.
One of south-west England’s most famous events, Glastonbury Festival sees revellers descend on the usually-quiet town.
Why was Glastonbury Festival founded?
As mentioned above, Michael Eavis was first inspired to host a music event at Worthy Farm in 1970.
The idea transpired after an open-air Led Zeppelin concert.
At the time of the first festival, admission cost just £1, which also included free camping and even free milk.