Emily Eavis, organiser of the iconic Glastonbury Festival, has revealed that strategic changes to the 2023 event led to a reduction in ticket sales, causing some fans to miss out on attending. Speaking on the BBC Sounds podcast ‘Sidetracked’ with Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw, Emily provided an insider’s look at how the festival adapted its layout and capacity to enhance crowd movement and safety.
This year’s Glastonbury saw adjustments around the South East Corner, including the acquisition of an additional plot next to the main site. These changes were designed to expand backstage areas, improve infrastructure, and notably boost nocturnal entertainment options in that section of the festival grounds.
One significant outcome was a deliberate reduction in total ticket numbers — cutting “a few thousand” from previous years’ capacity. Emily noted the decision aimed to ease congestion during peak times when large groups move between stages, improving attendee comfort and safety. “It will be interesting to see how that affects the dynamics on site,” she said.
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Traditionally, Glastonbury attracts up to 210,000 festival-goers across five days, making it one of the largest music events in the world. Overcrowding during major performances has long been a concern, prompting organisers to explore crowd management innovations such as the Glastonbury Festival app. The app uses a colour-coded system to notify attendees about crowded areas, with a red warning signaling potential stage or field closures.
Looking ahead to the festival starting on Wednesday, June 25, headliners include The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo, along with several acts yet to be announced — including a mysterious performance labeled ‘Patchwork’ on the Pyramid Stage.
Emily’s candid revelations underline the delicate balance organisers face when evolving one of the world’s biggest festivals: maintaining a vibrant atmosphere while ensuring safety and accessibility for all attendees.