Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary edition, intended to take place from June 24-28, has been cancelled.
A statement shared today (March 18) by organisers Emily and Michael Eavis announced that the event would no longer take place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that "following the new government measures announced this week – and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty – this is now our only viable option."
The pair’s statement says that although they hoped the situation in the UK would have improved by the end of June, when the festival was supposed to take place, it is not viable to spend the next three months with thousands of crew on the farm, helping to build the festival. They also recognise the financial blow that this will be for the festival’s charity partners, as well as the suppliers and traders that were due to set up for the weekend at the festival.
"We were so looking forward to welcoming you all for our 50th anniversary with a lineup full of fantastic artists and performers that we were incredibly proud to have booked. Again, we’re so sorry that this decision has been made. It was not through choice," the statement concludes.
Ticket holders to this year’s edition will be able to roll the £50 deposit they’ve already paid over to 2021’s festival, thus guaranteeing them a spot at that year’s event. Those who want a refund can also apply for one. Further information on coach packages, official accommodation bookings and other tickets will be added to the festival’s website in the coming days.
Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift had been due to headline this year’s festival, while last week, alongside a statement acknowledging the uncertainty of the coming months, the festival also announced that the likes of Manic Street Preachers, Pet Shop Boys, Thom Yorke, Lana Del Rey, The Jesus And Mary Chain, JARV IS… and FKA twigs would play.
