GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL has been given a licence – meaning the green light for next year’s festival.
At a meeting (November 26) of Mendip District Council attended by organiser Michael Eavis, his daughter Emily and Mean Fiddler boss Melvin Benn, the festival was given the go-ahead to take place on June 25-27, 2004. There were ten votes in favour, and one against.
Fortunately for the music fans there was no repeat of 2003’s epic five hour meeting, when Mendip District Council’s regulatory board rejected the initial application.
In recent years, Glastonbury has struggled to secure its license following overcrowding caused by fence jumpers. However, improved security measures, such as the new perimeter ‘superfence’, have been widely regarded as successful.
It is also possible that organisers will introduce an ‘anti-tout’ ticket system, following the rapid sell-out of this year’s event, although nothing has yet been confirmed.
Names in the frame for Glastonbury 2004 include Paul McCartney, with Doves and Damien Rice also in the frame following their appearance at September’s Pilton Party.