Glastonbury 2009 Update

Glastonbury 2009

One of the highlights at Glastonbury, on Saturday will be the appearance of that evergreen, favourite,those classic rockers Status Quo. Whom will be treating the crowd on the Abey Grounds to play their well loved hits. In a set that is sure to bring the house down and prove that veteran musicians, just like old buildings, simply get better with age.

There will be a different type of music being featured on the Sunday evening. When the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra shall be returning to the Extravaganza to perform a selection of popular classical compositions.

This tenth anniversary of the event shall mark the re-establishment of a more traditional layout.

“(I ) have decided to return the classical evening to the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ format – full of well known pieces, and culminating with a chance to wave flags to ‘Land of Hope and Glory’.” says Michael Eavis “It is what people said they wanted, so I am sure they will support the evening in even greater numbers than recently.”

“I did want to have the classical evening on the Saturday, but only the smaller concert orchestra was available, so I decided to hold it on the Sunday because having the full orchestra makes such a difference – they are magnificent. Naturally we will have fountains, lights and fireworks. It will be a wonderful spectacle!“

The unique event has grown in stature over the years and is a confirmed high spot in the musical calendar of the South West, and certainly a real occasion, with fireworks, lights, candelabra and picnics.

Mr Eavis also revealed the ‘Christmas discount’ on tickets, saying, “I decided to put them on sale before Christmas as they make such great presents.”

This year they are offered at the special discounted price of £25 until Wednesday 31st December. Call 01458 834596 for queries and booking, or to buy tickets online, click here.

Advance tickets are on sale from The Glastonbury Festival Office and Glastonbury Abbey Shop until to 4.00pm. Children under 6 are free. Children aged 6 – 16 get half price entry at £15. The normal price for tickets is £30. Tickets will be available to buy on the gate from 5.30pm at £35 for an adult ticket.

“Glastonbury is a fantastic event. So many young people in a community which is self-governing and tolerant. It confirms my belief that despite everything, humanity really does want to get on with itself. Michael Eavis is a genius for making it happen.” Tony Benn, 2003.

Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts (to give it its full name since 1990) has been run by Somerset farmer Michael Eavis at Worthy Farm, Pilton – near Glastonbury in Somerset – since 1970, and he continues to run it with massive enthusiasm. This is the mother of all festivals.

The Festival normally takes place on the last full weekend of June, and is known to take a year off now and then to give both the land (a working farm) and the locals a chance to recover.

After problems with excessive numbers in 2000, many improvements in security and general organisation have been made, and many of the problems associated with the Festival have been reduced or eliminated completely. The local Council has hailed 2005 as a great success, and the future of the festival seems assured.

Michael Eavis runs the Extravaganza each summer.

Enjoy Glastonbury – Get your tickets early!