Glastonbury clean-up gets under way

For the past five days, it has been home to a population of 200,000 but now the clean-up operation after Glastonbury Festival 2017 begins.

Highlights of the musical extravaganza in Pilton, Somerset, have included Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Katy Perry and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Artists, revellers and festival organisers have spoken in support of the Islington North MP – with the chant “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn” to the tune of the White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army becoming the unofficial anthem of the festival.

Organisers have asked attendees to take their tents with them, with posters around the venue reading: “Love the farm, leave no trace” and a heavy emphasis on recycling throughout.

A litter picking crew of up to 800 will begin to clear the huge area of rubbish on Monday morning, with tractors carrying magnetic strips travelling across the fields.

The mission to convert the site back into a functioning dairy farm could take up to six weeks.

Last year, the operation was made harder thanks to heavy rain that caused a huge amount of mud – with revellers abandoning their belongings as they struggled out.

“The farm needs a rest. So does the village and the wildlife,” he said.

In 2020, Glastonbury Festival will celebrate its 50th year.

“We’re already booking acts for that one,” Mr Eavis said. “Half a century. It’s an incredible feat, actually. We’ve been through so many struggles to get here.”