Festival founder on knighthood award
GLASTONBURY Festival founder Sir Michael Eavis has said he thought he would turn down his knighthood.
Speaking to the Glastonbury Free Press as this year’s music event gets underway, he said: “I actually always thought I’d turn it down if I was offered it, because I already liked being me.”
Sir Michael, 88, who was knighted in April, added: “It’s ( the festival) all going from strength to strength.
“It’s so important that this festival stands for something.
“That’s the guts of the event, really. It’s why we’ve backed the CND ( Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament) since 1981.”
Among the new venues this year at Glastonbury is Terminal 1, described as a “repurposed airport celebrating migration”.
Sir Michael said it is “dealing with the issue of immigration”.
“They’re taking the approach that we can solve it,” he added.
“We can be friendly to these unfortunate people in the boats.
“It’s demonstrating, the whole festival is, really, that you can get on with your neighbour. And they’re putting all of that into a show. Isn’t that amazing?”
Mostly dry conditions and cooling temperatures are predicted across the weekend, after a drone show and fireworks over the Pyramid Stage announced the opening of the festival in Pilton on Wednesday.
Designed by Celestial, a company from the nearby Somerset village of Norton Saint Philip, the show was a new addition for 2024 festival, featuring 576 drones and inspired by themes of peace and togetherness, according to organisers.
The festival comes amid planned industrial action by junior doctors, as NHS Somerset offered tips on how to “stay well” during periods of hot weather to help “ease pressure on health and care”.
“We know that services will be under pressure this week,” Dr Bernie Marden, chief medical officer for NHS Somerset, said.
“With Glastonbury Festival also taking place this week and expected warm weather, we are sharing a few reminders about simple steps people can take to look after themselves, and stay healthy and well.”
The main stages at Worthy Farm will not open until today, with pop singer Dua Lipa headlining the Pyramid Stage that evening before rock band Coldplay and soul singer SZA play the stage tomorrow and Sunday.
Canadian country star Shania Twain will play the coveted Legends slot on Sunday afternoon.
Hundreds of acts performed yesterday, with various smaller stages across the site hosting acts including singer and DJ Shygirl and electronic musician Joy Orbison, who appeared on both dance stage Levels.