The Glastonbury Festival has got the go-ahead from local authorities for the next four festivals - meaning that they won't have to reapply for a new licence to stage the flagship music event until 2011. The festival's local council, Mendip District Council, also agreed to allow organisers to extend the capacity of the event from 150,000 to 177,500, on the understanding the festival site will be expanded.
As previously reported, a four year licence is now possible because of changes in UK licensing laws allowing local councils to give permission for events planned much further ahead. The increased capacity was allowed after organisers secured use of land on neighbouring farms. However, the extended and expanded licence was given on the condition that festival organisers attend regular public meetings with the local Pilton Parish Council - at least three before, and one after each festival.
Glastonbury chief Michael Eavis, who back in the day faced an uphill struggle each year to secure his licence, welcomed the extended and expanded licence, telling reporters: "In the past we have had to jump through the hoops, year after year. It is great that we can plan future festivals safe in the knowledge that it will all be approved".
Eavis has also confirmed some extra line up details for this year's Glastonbury, revealing that Damien Rice will headline the acoustic stage and that the one and the only Shirley Bassey will also appear. Other artists already confirmed to play include Kaiser Chiefs, The Who and The Arctic Monkeys.