Michael Eavis hosts the first Glastonbury Festival.

The Glastonbury Festival is one of the world’s most iconic music and performing arts festivals, held almost every year in Somerset, England. Founded in 1970 by Michael Eavis, it started as a small, countercultural gathering inspired by the free festival movement and the spirit of the late 1960s. What began with just a few thousand attendees has since grown into a massive event, now attracting well over 200,000 people. It spans multiple days and showcases not only music but also theatre, circus, comedy, dance, and art installations, making it far more than a traditional music festival.

One of the defining features of Glastonbury is its eclectic lineup. Across dozens of stages, it hosts an impressive variety of genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, folk, reggae, and experimental acts—ensuring that there’s something for almost every musical taste. Legendary performances from artists like David Bowie, Beyoncé, Radiohead, and Paul McCartney have cemented Glastonbury’s reputation as a career-defining stage. Beyond the headline acts, smaller stages nurture underground and emerging talent, while alternative areas like Shangri-La and the Green Fields provide immersive cultural and environmental experiences.

The festival also has a strong commitment to social and environmental causes. Its long-standing association with charities such as Oxfam, Greenpeace, and WaterAid highlights its activist roots. Sustainability initiatives—like banning single-use plastic bottles, promoting renewable energy, and encouraging public transport—have become central to the event. Despite its size and global fame, Glastonbury retains a grassroots, community-driven spirit, making it a unique blend of cultural spectacle, social conscience, and musical celebration.