Glato 2008

[Chris71]

BBC said:

Glastonbury sets ticket deadline



Fans endured heavy rain at last year's festival

Music fans hoping to go to Glastonbury have been told they must register next month to be in with a chance of getting tickets for the festival.

People must submit their contact details and a passport photo during February in order to buy tickets when they go on sale on 6 April.

Organiser Michael Eavis told BBC News: "I agree it is a tedious business, but people appreciate why we're doing it."

Mr Eavis launched the procedure last year in an attempt to stop touts.

Each ticket will feature a photograph of the buyer and will not be transferable.


I'm putting on a black American headliner who's absolutely terrific


Michael Eavis

"We did it last year and it was perfect," Mr Eavis said.

"The only thing is some of the photographs weren't quite good enough so we're sharpening up the pictures."

The festival takes place on Mr Eavis's farm in Pilton, Somerset, from 27-29 June.

He has not revealed any names from the line-up, but when asked by the BBC's Points West programme about his aim to attract a younger audience to Glastonbury: "I'm putting on a black American headliner, who's absolutely terrific that's going to appeal to those people."

Asked if Amy Winehouse would perform, he replied: "I hope so, I really, really do need her."

The ticket registration window opens at 0900 GMT on 1 February and closes at midnight on 29 February.

Fans can register on the Glastonbury website or by picking up a form from camping shop Millets.



Eavis is hoping to make more room for campers

'Trying harder'

Registration does not guarantee a ticket, but those who do not register will not be able to buy a pass when they go up for grabs on 6 April.

Asked whether the process would start to put people off attending the festival, Mr Eavis admitted: "You think it would, wouldn't you?"

But the procedure did not deter about 400,000 people from registering for 137,500 tickets last year.

"I think most people who are really determined to come find a way, don't they, or they try harder?

"It's only the people who are half-hearted about it that don't pursue the chase for a ticket," Mr Eavis said.

He added that he thought it was "absolutely essential" to beat the touts - and if he could not do so, he would rather not run the festival.

Mr Eavis is also hoping to create more space for campers this year by asking the local Mendip District Council to agree to moving the fences.

New talent

Meanwhile, unsigned bands and artists are being offered the chance to play on one of the main stages at this year's event through the festival's new talent competition.

Mr Eavis's daughter Emily, who sits on the judging panel, said: "I am sure we will be able to find some incredible new bands out there.

"It's great for the competition, and most importantly, it will be a great contribution to the festival."

Acts can enter by uploading two tracks to the Q magazine website before 27 January.

Bah! Fecking stupid thing posted when I was half way through typing and some how deleted the S!!

Erm, anyway - get registering!

Slightly worried by the possibility of who Eavis might have booked in an attempt to be 'down with the kids'. There have been some horrific suggestions:

Fifty Cent
Kanye West
Beyounce (not as bad I suppose)
Rhiana
That fat kid who sings the irritating "You're so beauuuuuuutiful" song
Pharell

The list goes on...

Can't really think of anyone good who meets that description, it must be a solo artist and it's logical to assume they're quite young form the comments.

So, maybe register, but check who's playing before handing over any cash. That said, Lost Vagueness and The Greenfields will always be quality.

Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 9th January 12:59

[agent006]

But glasto has never been about who's headlining though has it? If you don't like them then there's 10 other people playing somewhere else at the same time. Plus his hint on booking a black american headline act could mean all sorts of people. James Brown would've come under that heading.

[Plotloss]

On the headliner, Eavis is, as usual, bottom talking.

I've heard a very strong rumour from a very reliable source on who the main act on the Saturday will be. They are American but not black (well one of them might be, not too sure).

[Chris71]

agent006 said:

But glasto has never been about who's headlining though has it? If you don't like them then there's 10 other people playing somewhere else at the same time. Plus his hint on booking a black american headline act could mean all sorts of people. James Brown would've come under that heading.

He did - admittedly not a headline slot, but his performance on the Sunday afternoon a few years ago was the most dissapointing one I have ever seen.

Eavis said it was a young black american intended to 'appeal to a younger audience' so that rules out any old-school RnB or motown types who aren't already dead.

I totally agree with your last comment though and having been most years since I was 15 it was only the last time I went to glasto that I felt I fully appreciated the more unusual parts of the site and I'll definitely be spending more time at the smaller stages and in various states of concious in the green fields or stone circle.