Glastonbury 2004: licence submitted

Glastonbury Festival have submitted their Public Entertainments Licence application for a Festival in 2004, to take place 25-27th June (with the gates expected to open on Wednesday 23rd June). The application will be heard by Mendip District Council's Regulatory Board, with the hearing expected to take place at some point before the end of the year.

The first part of the licence process will be a public meeting, which is expected to be held at MDC's offices in Shepton Mallet later this month. The date of the meeting has yet to be set.

eFestivals is hoping that the process has a smoother path than happened for this years Festival - where the application was initially refused - as this years Festival was considered a great success. Many of the problems that have blighted the Festival and surrounding area in previous years were either substantually reduced or eliminated entirely this year. However, as the make-up of the Council changed with the local elections in the early summer, and the Festival has to satisfy the Council's concerns, nothing can be presumed.

After not being able to play when asked in 2003, the rumour is that Prince has agreed to play in 2004 (but things can always change). There's also rumours of Paul McCartney and Oasis as other possible headliners.

Damien Rice, Doves, and local band The Treefrogs all played at the Pilton Party in September, and it's normal that bands who play there are offered a good slot at the following Festival (although The Treefrogs tell us that no such arrangement has been made with them).

We wish Michael Eavis and his dedicated team the best of luck in their efforts to bring us a Festival in 2004.

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