I'm not retiring, says Glastonbury boss
Glastonbury organiser Michael Eavis plans to be in charge of the festival for at least another decade, he revealed today.
The farmer, who has announced ticket details for next year’s 40th anniversary event, said he has no desire to retire.
Eavis, who runs the festival with his daughter Emily, said he was aiming for an amazing line-up to mark the milestone.
“The expectations are really high. So we have to deliver on that. We’re trying to get the best headliners in the world,” he said.
“I think some of the artists out there are particularly interested in the fact that it’s 40 years.”
Tickets will go on sale from October 4 and will cost £185 (€207.50). Applicants must already be registered with the festival and, as last year, there will also be a deposit scheme where people can pay £50 upfront and settle the balance in February.
Eavis said he had tried to hold the price at last year’s level but he needed to cover costs, and ensure a charity contribution.
“I do try to hold it down, but the girls doing the budgeting are so thorough and so clever, and they said: ’Look, the minimum rise we can get away with is 10 quid more’. It is a shame, because I really wanted to hold the price.”
He said he may try to book some of the acts who will be in the UK for the Michael Jackson tribute concert which is now due to take place in the UK next June.
Eavis added: “There’s no thought of me retiring whatsoever. I’ve got no interest in retirement. One day I’ll have no choice, presumably, but while I can choose I’ve got no interest in retirement. It’s a labour of love.”
Asked how many years he anticipated working on Glastonbury, he said: “I’m gonna say another 10. And then let’s see where it goes from there.”
Next year’s festival takes place from Wednesday June 23 to Sunday June 27.
