Glastonbury founder Sir Michael Eavis nearly pulled the plug on the iconic music festival in the 1990s, his daughter Emily revealed in a recent interview on the BBC’s Sidetracked podcast.
Sir Michael, who started the festival on his Somerset farm in 1970, had always said each year would be the last, with plans to retire once he reached a certain age. However, it was only after the passing of his wife Jean in 1999 that the event became a permanent fixture.
Emily Eavis, who now co-organizes the festival with her husband Nick Dewey, shared the behind-the-scenes story of how her father’s plans changed after her mother’s death.
The festival, which has grown to become one of the world’s most prestigious music events, will open its gates for this year’s event on June 26. Headliners include Dua Lipa, SZA, and Coldplay, who will be topping the bill for a record-breaking fifth time.
In a move towards greater diversity, this year’s Pyramid Stage lineup features a 50:50 split between male and female acts, with two women headlining for the first time in the festival’s history.
Looking ahead, Eavis mentioned the possibility of a fallow year in 2026 to give the land and the cows a chance to rest and reclaim their space. She also hinted at potential headliners for future festivals, including her dream act, Kate Bush.
With the festival’s rich history and exciting lineup, Glastonbury continues to be a must-attend event for music lovers around the world.
