May 7, 2007 15:29

Glastonbury Festival gets old-fashioned new stage

The Park will have star guests and lots of pianos

Glastonbury Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis has revealed details of a new stage for this year’s bash which will hark back to the spirit of the first festival back in 1971.

The Park will feature performances from the likes of Jamie T, Spiritualized and The Aliens, as well as a mystery group going by the name of Africa Express who will headline the Saturday night (June 23). Other big name impromptu guests are also expected to play on the stage.

Eavis told The Guardian: "A lot of people don't want to be billed as doing a full set, but if they're there they want to play.”

There will also be a handful of pianos around the field for festivalgoers to congregate around.

The Park is sited near the stone circle on the field that her ancestors farmed before they moved to Worthy Farm, owned by Emily's father and co-organiser, Michael Eavis.

Eavis told The Guardian: "I really wanted it to be a late-night destination that wasn't too full-on, where people can go and relax.”

The festival runs from June 22-24, and acts who have so far confirmed to play include Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, The Who, Bjork, Arcade Fire, Editors, Super Furry Animals, Kaiser Chiefs, Lily Allen, Babyshambles and The Kooks.