Emily Eavis has revealed that she successfully booked Neil Young as a headliner for Glastonbury 2024 to celebrate her father, Michael Eavis, reaching the milestone age of 90. The festival’s founder turns 90 on October 17, and Emily, 45, described securing one of her dad’s favorite artists as a deeply meaningful gesture.
Speaking to Cosmopolitan, Emily said, “Neil Young is one of my dad’s favorite artists of all time, and mine. We’ve grown up with him. He performed in 2009, delivering an incredible set, and having him back this year to sing his beautiful songs in my dad’s 90th year feels very special.”
Alongside Neil Young, the other headliners for this year’s festival include The 1975 and Olivia Rodrigo. Emily selected Matty Healy’s band to headline the Pyramid Stage on Friday night to champion British rock music, while Olivia Rodrigo was chosen after Emily witnessed her unforgettable 2022 performance at Worthy Farm. “She came off stage in tears. Watching such a young artist storm through was incredibly exciting,” Eavis said.
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Despite her passion for the music, Emily admits that her role managing the festival means she often misses performances. “I try my best, but depending on what’s happening on site, sometimes I miss the sets. It’s important to watch the artists because you’re creating this massive show, but it can be a bit gutting if you miss them all,” she explained.
Glastonbury 2024 marks the 53rd festival, a long way from its humble beginnings in 1970 when only 1,500 people attended. Now, over 200,000 people and more than 2,000 performers converge on Pilton, Somerset. Emily has taken steps to address overcrowding issues experienced in 2024, including reducing ticket sales and introducing the Dragon’s Tail field, a new late-night area designed to offer a break for partygoers.
“Crowding was an issue last year because people moved in similar directions,” Emily said. “We’re spreading programming by scheduling more top acts simultaneously and highlighting the many routes and less crowded areas on site. There are endless interesting things beyond the big stages, and we want the site to feel spacious and enjoyable.”
For fans unable to secure tickets this year, a longer wait lies ahead, as the festival will take a ‘fallow year’ in 2026 for farm recovery and preparation. However, Emily is already planning for the coming years, revealing, “I’ve just booked my first headliner for 2028. That’s how far ahead we are.” She is also nearly finalized on the 2027 lineup.
With the 2024 festival still underway, Emily reflects, “I feel it’s the best it’s ever been. Our team is incredibly dedicated and passionate. We live here, so it’s deeply connected to who we are. We work closely with charities and local organizations while hosting a festival that attracts the best music and people from around the world to this quiet part of the West Country.”