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.

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

Farmers protest outside Oxford Farming Conference as family farm tax fight continues

Farmers protest outside Oxford Farming Conference as family farm tax fight continues

Tractors descend on city centre as industry members voice concerns over IHT thresholds and elderly farmers

clock 08 January 2026 • 2 min read
From soil to sourdough: Bakery helps create sustainable farming future

From soil to sourdough: Bakery helps create sustainable farming future

With deep roots in food and farming, one couple is reimagining what a small family farm can be in a modern world

Teresa Rush
clock 08 January 2026 • 6 min read
Oxford Farming Conference 2026: a quick guide to this year's event

Oxford Farming Conference 2026: a quick guide to this year's event

Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds makes her conference debut as farmers and industry members discuss the fututre of farming

clock 06 January 2026 • 2 min read