Michael Eavis, the brains behind Glastonbury for over 40 years, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement gong at the European Festival Awards early next year.
First launched in 1970 when the original spirit of freedom and anti-establishment which so underpinned the first wave of music festivals was still fresh in the memory, Glastonbury and its organiser have proved to be the strongest of survivors. And despite the modern day, jam-packed UK festival season which now offers a seemingly endless choice of events for the average music lover, Glastonbury remains the premier attraction during the British summer.
“After 41 years, to win something of this magnitude is something to be incredibly proud of,” Eavis has said of his accolade. “To still be doing this after that amount of time is no mean feat.”
“Since founding one of the most famous and long-lasting festivals in the world, Michael has dedicated his life to Glastonbury and the millions of festival-goers which have attended the event over its 41-year history,” managing director of the European Festival Awards, James Drury remarked.
“Glastonbury is the grandfather of the incredible festival market which Europe enjoys, and Michael is cited as an inspiration by almost every festival organiser I speak to across the world. This is why he is so deserving of this honour.”
The 2012 European Festival Awards will take place on January 11th in Groningen, Netherlands.