51AVÊÓÆµ

The farm behind the festival - Glastonbury is here, but what happens to the cows?

Worthy 51AVÊÓÆµwill go down in history as the dairy farm that transforms to hold the world’s most iconic festival: Glastonbury.

Emily Ashworth
clock • 2 min read
The farm behind the festival - Glastonbury is here, but what happens to the cows?

If there is one festival that everybody has heard of, it is Glastonbury. But what makes it more unique is its location on Michael and Emily Eavis' dairy farm, who are probably one of the most well-known father/daughter farming duos of all time.

Music royalty has graced its stages, from the Rolling Stones to Beyonce, and it will go down in music history as the cream of the crop of festivals.

But here are some things you may not know, including where the cows go when thousands descend on Worthy Farm.

READ NOW: Q&A with Jeremy Clarkson:Ìý"In the past, farming on television has been portrayed as fresh straw, fluffy lambs, agreeable calves - a bit like Babe"

What do Michael and Emily farm?

Apparently there are around 400 cows at Worthy 51AVÊÓÆµin Somerset, and Michael has said in previous interviews that the dairy industry should be ‘proud of what we are doing.'

Where do the cows go?

It is said that the cows go and graze elsewhere, although the milkers stay close by to avoid e.coli.

In the beginning

Michael originally started the festival to make a bit of extra money, as farming at the time was not doing well.

Did you know?

For the first festival back in 1970, tickets were originally only £1 - according to the Bank of England, this equates to around £12.80 now. Festival goers were given free milk on entry to the farm.Ìý

Sustainable focus

In 2010, it became the largest privately owned solar power station in the UK at that particular time, as all cowsheds were covered with solar panels - enough to power 40 homes.

Last year it will be entirely run by renewable energy.

READ NOW: Liz Fletcher on finding her feet in farming: "We love the shows; we love the tradition of them"

null
Worthy 51AVÊÓÆµis home to the world's most well-know festival, Glastonbury

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Just 15% of rural residents think Labour cares about countryside

Just 15% of rural residents think Labour cares about countryside

But Countryside Alliance says almost a third would be prepared to back Burnham if he adopts a 'rural reset'

Jane Thynne
clock 14 September 2026 • 2 min read
FUW calls for coordinated UK response as farming challenges surge

FUW calls for coordinated UK response as farming challenges surge

President Ian Rickman says food production and food security recognised as 'strategic priorities'

Jane Thynne
clock 11 September 2026 • 2 min read
Moreton Show remembers Cotswold farmer

Moreton Show remembers Cotswold farmer

The family of Edward Hicks have raised over £9,000 so far the farming charity, RABI.

Rachael Brown
clock 10 September 2026 • 2 min read