Ever since Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary event was cancelled in March due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, festivalgoers have been eagerly awaiting updates about the 2021 event. In August, shortly after organiser Michael Eavis suggested that the festival may not return until 2022, Emily Eavis asserted that they were, in fact, still aiming for next year.
Now, Michael has offered another glimmer of hope, speaking about the possibility of Glastonbury 2021 going ahead with mass on-site testing for COVID-19. Speaking at a Q&A event as part of the Wells Festival of Literature last night (October 21), Michael said: “The testing is going so well now, there could be massive testing arrangements.”
As reported by Glasto Fest Feed, the organiser then pondered: “Do we want to test 200,000 people three times – when they leave their home, when they’re halfway here, and when they get to the (festival) gate – so that we’re clear of COVID?”
Michael also hinted at the possibility of getting Fleetwood Mac on next year’s line-up, adding that Glastonbury organisers “talk to them every year but it’s never quite right, or the money’s not right”. Now that the band is back in the charts due to a viral TikTok video (you know the one), maybe they’d be more inclined to play.
In a joint statement announcing Glastonbury 2020’s cancellation, Michael and Emily said: “We’re so sorry that this decision has been made. It was not through choice. But we look forward to welcoming you back to these fields next year and until then, we send our love and support to all of you.”
The event was set to be headlined by Kendrick Lamar, Paul McCartney, and Taylor Swift, with Diana Ross playing the Sunday Legends teatime slot. TBC on whether these acts will return for Glastonbury 2021.
While we await further news, look back at Dazed’s list of iconic Glastonbury moments here.