Glastonbury Festival at Warminster
Earlier this week we were privileged to welcome the man behind the amazing Glastonbury Festival, Mr Michael Eavis, to speak about how the event started from its humble beginnings, into the extraordinary festival that it is today.
Michael entertained a packed out Thomas Arnold Hall with many stories and anecdotes from his life. He began the evening by explaining the origins of Glastonbury, telling the comedic story of how The Kinks cancelled, with each band member sending in identical sick notes claiming they had laryngitis after realising how small the venue was. Fortunately, this act was quickly replaced by Marc Bolan and T. Rex who happened to be playing locally at Butlins and agreed to play the first Glastonbury Festival. We also discovered tickets for the first event cost £1, and included free milk from the farm!
Although the festival has evolved hugely over the years, Michael Eavis has kept local community and charitable causes close to his heart. Every year he provides local residents complimentary tickets and has helped to fund low cost housing in Pilton, Somerset.
Ending his humorous talk with a few questions, Michael stayed behind to chat with audience members who wished to have a few words. It was a fascinating evening and inspiring to hear from a man who at almost 80 years of age, still works a seven-day week with a smile on his face.
Headmaster, Mark Mortimer commented, “It was a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Michael to Warminster School. He spoke with great warmth and humour and the audience was enthralled. I think it fair to say that he has led an entertaining and eventful life. What struck me, however, were his values, his humility and his sense of perspective. It was an inspirational evening.”