Glastonbury Festival is more than just a music event. It is a cultural institution, a global phenomenon, and one of the most iconic festivals in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people descend on Worthy Farm in Somerset to experience music, art, activism, and community on an extraordinary scale. But one question continues to spark curiosity among fans and newcomers alike: who runs Glastonbury?
Understanding who runs Glastonbury helps explain why the festival feels so unique compared to others. Unlike many large-scale music festivals controlled by corporations, Glastonbury remains deeply personal, values-driven, and family-run. In this article, we’ll explore who runs Glastonbury, how the festival is organized, and why its leadership model is central to its identity.
Who Runs Glastonbury Festival?
At its core, Glastonbury Festival is run by the Eavis family, with Michael Eavis as its founder and guiding figure. Over time, leadership responsibilities have increasingly been shared with his daughter, Emily Eavis, who now plays a major role in shaping the festival’s direction.
Glastonbury is not owned by a multinational entertainment company. Instead, it is hosted on Worthy Farm, a working dairy farm owned by the Eavis family. This personal ownership has allowed the festival to grow while maintaining its independent spirit.
Michael Eavis: The Founder of Glastonbury
To fully understand who runs Glastonbury, it’s impossible not to start with Michael Eavis.
Michael Eavis is a Somerset farmer who founded the festival in 1970 after being inspired by the countercultural movement and open-air music events of the late 1960s. What began as a small gathering of music lovers has since evolved into one of the largest and most influential festivals on the planet.
Despite Glastonbury’s enormous scale today, Michael Eavis remains deeply involved. He is widely regarded as the heart and soul of the festival. His values—community, generosity, environmental responsibility, and social justice—continue to define Glastonbury’s ethos.
Even in recent years, Michael Eavis has remained a public figure associated with the festival, speaking openly about its mission, charitable contributions, and political awareness.
Emily Eavis: The Modern Leader of Glastonbury
While Michael Eavis founded the festival, Emily Eavis is now widely seen as the person who runs Glastonbury on a day-to-day basis.
Emily became formally involved in organizing the festival in the early 2000s and has since taken on increasing responsibility. Today, she is the co-organizer and primary booker of artists, overseeing much of the creative and operational direction.
Emily Eavis is responsible for:
- Booking headline acts and emerging artists
- Managing large-scale festival logistics
- Ensuring diversity and inclusivity in the lineup
- Modernizing the festival while preserving its traditions
Her leadership has helped Glastonbury remain relevant to younger audiences while respecting its roots. Under her guidance, the festival has expanded its representation of women, global artists, and new musical genres.
So, when people ask who runs Glastonbury today, the most accurate answer is: Michael Eavis founded it, but Emily Eavis now runs it alongside him.
Is Glastonbury Privately Owned?
Yes, Glastonbury Festival is privately owned and operated by the Eavis family. This is one of the most important factors that distinguishes Glastonbury from other major festivals.
Because the festival is not owned by shareholders or large corporations, decisions are not driven solely by profit. Instead, Glastonbury can prioritize:
- Artistic integrity
- Environmental sustainability
- Charitable giving
- Social and political causes
This independence allows Glastonbury to maintain its distinctive identity and resist trends that might dilute its values.
Who Helps Run Glastonbury Behind the Scenes?
While the Eavis family leads the festival, Glastonbury is supported by thousands of professionals, volunteers, and partners who help make it possible.
Core Organizing Team
Glastonbury has a dedicated team that works year-round on:
- Event planning
- Infrastructure development
- Health and safety
- Licensing and compliance
- Sustainability initiatives
This team collaborates closely with Emily Eavis to ensure the festival operates smoothly.
Volunteers and Crew
Every year, tens of thousands of volunteers help run Glastonbury. These volunteers work in areas such as:
- Stewarding
- Waste management
- Medical services
- Catering support
Without this volunteer workforce, the festival simply could not function at its current scale.
Who Decides the Glastonbury Lineup?
One of the most frequently asked questions related to who runs Glastonbury is who chooses the artists.
Emily Eavis is the primary decision-maker when it comes to booking performers. She works closely with a small booking team to curate a lineup that reflects:
- Musical diversity
- Cultural relevance
- Gender balance
- Emerging talent
Michael Eavis has stated publicly that he trusts Emily’s judgment when it comes to modern music trends, which has allowed Glastonbury to evolve without losing its identity.
How Is Glastonbury Different from Other Festivals?
Understanding who runs Glastonbury helps explain why it feels so different from other major festivals.
Family Leadership
Unlike many festivals owned by entertainment corporations, Glastonbury remains family-led. This creates a sense of continuity and authenticity.
Long-Term Vision
Because the Eavis family owns the land and the festival, they can think long-term rather than focusing on short-term profits.
Community Focus
Glastonbury is deeply connected to the local Somerset community. Many local residents are involved in running the festival, and the event contributes significantly to local causes.
Who Runs Glastonbury’s Charitable Efforts
Another key part of the festival’s identity is its charitable mission.
Michael and Emily Eavis ensure that millions of pounds from Glastonbury profits are donated to charities every year. These donations support causes related to:
- Environmental protection
- Humanitarian aid
- Social justice
- Community development
This commitment is not an afterthought—it is a central reason why Glastonbury exists in its current form.
Does the Government Run Glastonbury?
No, the government does not run Glastonbury.
While the festival must comply with regulations related to safety, noise, and licensing, all creative and operational control remains with the Eavis family and their organizing team. Local authorities work in partnership with the festival to ensure public safety, but they do not control its content or direction.
Who Will Run Glastonbury in the Future?
Looking ahead, it is widely expected that Emily Eavis will continue to run Glastonbury for many years.
Michael Eavis has gradually stepped back from daily operations due to age, but he remains involved as a guiding figure. Emily represents the next generation of leadership, ensuring the festival remains innovative while staying true to its founding principles.
This gradual transition of leadership is one reason Glastonbury has avoided sudden changes that can disrupt other long-running festivals.
Why Knowing Who Runs Glastonbury Matters
Understanding who runs Glastonbury offers insight into why the festival feels so special. It is not just about music—it is about values, history, and people.
The Eavis family’s hands-on leadership has shaped Glastonbury into:
- A global cultural landmark
- A platform for artistic expression
- A symbol of community and activism
This personal stewardship is rare in today’s festival industry, making Glastonbury truly one of a kind.
Final Thoughts: Who Runs Glastonbury?
So, who runs Glastonbury?
- Michael Eavis founded the festival and remains its spiritual leader
- Emily Eavis now runs the festival’s operations, bookings, and future vision
- The festival is privately owned and family-run, supported by a vast team and volunteer network
Glastonbury’s leadership model is a major reason for its longevity, authenticity, and global influence. As long as the Eavis family remains at the helm, Glastonbury is likely to continue standing apart as not just a festival—but a movement.
