After Mel B sparked rumours of Glastonbury cancelling its 2021 edition, the festival has confirmed today (21 January) that it will no longer go ahead this year.
Glastonbury has been cancelled for a second year running due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The news has been officially confirmed via a statement, which reads: “With great regret, we must announce that this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place, and that this will be another enforced fallow year for us.”
“In spite of our efforts to move Heaven & Earth, it has become clear that we simply will not be able to make the Festival happen this year.” The festival apologised: “We are so sorry to let you all down.”
As previously confirmed by co-organiser Emily Eavis, tickets for this summer’s edition will roll over to 2022.
With great regret, we must announce that this year’s Glastonbury Festival will not take place, and that this will be another enforced fallow year for us. Tickets for this year will roll over to next year. Full statement below and on our website. Michael & Emily pic.twitter.com/SlNdwA2tHd
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) January 21, 2021
Earlier this month, Mel B told Nihal Arthanayake on BBC Radio 5 Live that the event had been called off. She said, “I know that Glastonbury’s been cancelled, so a lot of big stage performances are on hold again this year, which is sad but we’ve got to get this virus under control.” Emily Eavis was swift to deny the claim.
In December, Eavis said to the BBC, “We’re doing everything we can on our end to plan and prepare, but I think we’re still quite a long way from being able to say we’re confident 2021 will go ahead.”
Update: (21 January) Michael Kill, the CEO of Night Time Industries Associations has commented on the festival’s cancellation.
He said, “Devastating announcement today from Glastonbury Festival, such an important date within the Festival calendar for many, and will be devastating for festival goers and businesses looking at the summer season, and the opportunity to trade in 2021.”
“The government must recognise the impact of the negligible levels of support given to the festival and events sector, and work through a solution that will safeguard the sector, and allow the 2021 festival and events season to take place across the UK.” [sic]