Latitude Boss Defends Glastonbury

Melvin Benn defended Glastonbury against recent criticism at the opening of his own festival, Latitude, yesterday.

His support comes in the wake of recent claims that registration for Glastonbury tickets is down on last year. 

Festival organiser Michael Eavis decided on Jay Z as the headlining act to “break with tradition”, but many have since blamed the New York rapper for a decline in interest.

In a show of support for his fellow festival manager, Benn said: “we had over 400,000 people apply for Glastonbury last year – we’ve got a quarter of a million apply for Glastonbury this year – I don’t think anybody could say there’s a sort of dip in the market because of that.

“We are massively over subscribed – Michael is massively over subscribed for Glastonbury.”

Benn also said that he felt his own festival, Latitude, had “pushed the boundaries”, ridding smaller festivals of their complacency and making them readdress the festival format.

He described Glastonbury as “the godfather of festivals around the world,” adding, “I think Jay Z will be terrific.”