Image credit: Nick Haill

Europe’s largest live music event will not go ahead in 2021, Michael and Emily Eavis confirm.

It was the news none of us wanted to hear but probably knew was on the way, Glastonbury has cancelled due to the coronavirus. 

The news was announced via the festivals social media channels, explaining that “With great regret, we must announce that this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place.” 

It’s the second year running that the famous festival has had to cancel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, last year being it’s 50th anniversary celebration. For many music lovers the trip to worthy farm in Somerset is considered an annual pilgrimage. But alas music fans will have to wait yet another year. Possibly another year before they can see any live music as it’s likely this will start a knock on effect with other festivals across the country. 

The full statement explains that the father daughter team tried to “move Heaven & Earth” to make Glastonbury happen. However, they add that “this will be another enforced fallow year for us.” 

 The statement continues: “It has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the Festival happen this year. We are so sorry to let you all down.”

“As with last year, we would like to offer all those who secured a ticket in October 2019 the opportunity to roll their £50 deposit over to next year, and guarantee the chance to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2022. 

“We are very appreciative of the faith and trust placed in us by those of you with deposits, and we are very confident we can deliver something really special for us all in 2022! 

“We thank you for your incredible continued support and let’s look forward to better times ahead.”

The 2021 festival had been sold out, as the majority of ticket holders from the cancelled 2020 event had chosen to roll-over their tickets. It remains to be seen if festival fans will be willing to do so a third time. 

This news is going to come as a knock to the music industry, one that was apprehensive to get the ball rolling for the summer season. This is now in serious doubt and will have a major impact on the music industry as a whole. 

The government has been in hot water regarding its support for the music industry regarding Brexit as well as its lack of interest in securing a coronavirus insurance scheme for the industry. It’s likely some of the reason behind the decision to cancel is due to the governments nonchalant attitude to securing the insurance policy. 

The live music industry makes £5.8bn for the UK economy every year, with events having to cancel again this is surely going to be felt. A recent report from UK Music predicted that the UK Music industry would halve in size due to the coronavirus – a forecast that seems more real after this announcement. 

It is now likely that other major events and festivals will follow in Glastonbury’s footsteps. Be prepared for another summer without live music.