It’s been just six days since Glastonbury announced its long-awaited 50th anniversary lineup, but the the explosion of the global coronavirus pandemic has forced their hand: Glastonbury 2020 is canceled.
In a statement on Twitter early Wednesday morning, Festival organizers Michael and Emily Eavis explain how they arrived at the gut-wrenching decision to cancel.
“Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th anniversary event, but following the new government measures announced this week – and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty – this is now our only ble option.”
The decision comes just weeks before the April 1st checkpoint when attendees would be mandated to pay the remaining balance on their $300 tickets. Those who did manage to purchase tickets this year aren’t entirely out of luck, however, as the organizers guarantee them to “opportunity to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2021.” For those who are unable to make it to next year’s rescheduled anniversary, refunds will also be available.
While Glastonbury was expected to be headlined by Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and Kendrick Lamar, there is no word on how this year’s lineup will be effected going into 2021.
Read Glastonbury’s full statement below.
We are so sorry to announce this, but we are going to have to cancel Glastonbury 2020. Tickets for this year will roll over to next year. Full statement below and on our website. Michael & Emily pic.twitter.com/ox8kcQ0HoB
— Glastonbury Festival (@glastonbury) March 18, 2020