Michael Eavis included on 2024 New Year Honours list
Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis is set to receive a knighthood on the 2024 New Year Honours list, making him Sir Michael Eavis.
Actor Emilia Clarke is another notable figure who also appears on the list, she is due to receive an MBE. Additionally, Napoleon director Sir Ridley Scott, has received an upgrade to his knighthood, making him a Knight Grand Cross. Meanwhile, singer Leona Lewis is to become an OBE for her services to music and charity.
Speaking on the official Glastonbury website, Eavis has opened up about his pride about receiving a knighthood. Recalling the moment he found out about the honour, Eavis said: “Emily came up with the official letter. I was really surprised to see it, actually. Why did they choose me I wonder?”
Eavis also discussed the long road to Glastonbury’s success, stating: “I have had a good life and managed to keep the Festival going for 53 years. It’s all gone so well in the end. It took 25 years for the public to catch on. We started with 500 people in 1970 and we’ve finished up with millions wanting to come every year now. That’s quite extraordinary isn’t it?”
Furthermore, the festival founder claimed his late mother would have been furious with him if he refused to accept the knighthood.
Outside of his work with Glastonbury, Eavis is on the list due to his charity work, with the festival donating sizeable money each year from their proceeds to good causes. Additionally, this year, they unveiled 20 new social houses in Pilton on land that Eavis donated which were built out of stone from Worthy Farm.
Meanwhile, Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis recently discussed her plans for the 2024 edition of the festival. She revealed the legends slot will be occupied by a female artist and also hinted at two female headliners.
She told the BBC Sounds podcast Sidetracked with Annie and Nick: “2024 is still a little up in the air…and I thought it was kind of taking shape, and then last week I just got a call, and this is what happens if you wait a little longer, because quite often we’ll be booked up from July.”
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