GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL - GLASTONBURY SEEKS FOUR-YEAR LICENCE

The organisers of the Glastonbury Festival have submitted an application for a licence for the event to take place until 2010.

Under new laws festivals can gain a four-year licence rather than the previous agreement lasting just one-year.

Under the application, made to Mendip district council by festival director Melvin Benn, Glastonbury organisers are asking to extend the event from150,000 people being able to attend to 177,500. A larger site with a new campsite and entertainment area is proposed.

The views of relevant bodies – including the police, fire brigade, and environmental health authorities – are now being sought.

Issues at the heart of whether the licence will be granted are prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, protection of children from harm and prevention of public nuisance.

The council's decision will be made on March 26th, just one week before tickets go on sale. People hoping to attend the festival must have registered for tickets by February 28th.

Acts lined up for the festival on June 22nd-24th include the Arctic Monkeys, The Who and Bjork.