Each summer, thousands of festival-goers prepare for what many call the pinnacle of the British music calendar: Glastonbury Festival. But in 2026, the iconic stages at Worthy Farm will fall silent. No Pyramid Stage performances, no bustling campsites, no late-night sing-alongs under the Somerset skies. So the big question is why is there no Glastonbury in 2026?
It’s a question that’s circulating across social media and fan communities alike, especially after the success of Glastonbury 2025, which saw unforgettable performances from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, Neil Young, and a surprise set from Lorde.
Typically, anticipation for the next year begins as soon as the final act wraps up. But 2026 will break that cycle and with good reason.
What Happened at Glastonbury 2025?
Glastonbury 2025 was a high point in the festival’s recent history. Held on the sprawling 900-acre dairy farm known as Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, the event saw over 200,000 people descend for a weekend of music, culture, and community.
The energy was electric from the start. Friday began with the unexpected: a secret set from Lorde that packed the Woodsies tent beyond capacity. Later that evening, The 1975 officially opened the main stage line-up with their genre-blending spectacle.
Saturday maintained the momentum, offering a diverse roster of performers including Kneecap, Bob Vylan, and Charli XCX, capped off with a headline set by the legendary Neil Young. Sunday’s highlight came in the form of Olivia Rodrigo, who delivered a powerful Pyramid Stage headline performance, while Sir Rod Stewart took on the coveted Legends’ Slot, charming both long-time fans and new audiences.
Despite the jubilant mood, organisers made it clear: 2026 will be a fallow year, meaning the festival will not take place, following a long-standing tradition that prioritises sustainability and regeneration.
Why Is There No Glastonbury in 2026?
The absence of Glastonbury in 2026 is not due to a cancellation or crisis. Instead, it’s a planned fallow year, a concept that dates back decades and is embedded in the festival’s ethos. This decision, announced by co-organiser Emily Eavis, is a conscious effort to allow the land and people involved in the festival to rest, recover, and prepare for future editions.
In her conversation with the BBC and the Glastonbury Free Press, Emily stated:
“We are due a fallow year. The fallow year is important because it gives the land a rest, and it gives the cows a chance to stay out for longer and reclaim their land. I think it’s important. It gives everybody time to just switch off — the public as well.”
Worthy Farm is, first and foremost, a working dairy farm, and hosting a festival of this magnitude each year places significant pressure on the land. Fallow years are essential in maintaining the farm’s long-term health, the local environment, and the wellbeing of the community and crew that make Glastonbury possible.
What Is a Fallow Year and Why Does Glastonbury Need One?
In agricultural terms, a fallow year refers to leaving land unplanted for a season so it can regenerate. Glastonbury applies this principle to festival planning. Every five to six years, the festival skips a year to let the land rest, reduce infrastructure strain, and give all involved from organisers to volunteers, it is a break.
The last official fallow years took place in 2012 and 2018. The festival was also cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but those were emergency decisions, not part of the planned cycle. By contrast, the 2026 break has been in the works for several years and is part of long-term sustainability planning.
Emily Eavis summed up the philosophy during a podcast interview:
“A fallow year is a really good idea. You drop off, you have a break and it sort of reminds everyone that it’s a farm and a family. We’re just normal and need a break.”
What Environmental Goals Will Be Achieved in 2026?
One of the most exciting plans for the 2026 fallow year is the planting of 30,000 trees and hedges across Worthy Farm. Emily Eavis has championed this ecological initiative, aiming to re-wild parts of the site and improve biodiversity. In addition to being a break from festival activity, 2026 will become a year of environmental renewal.
She explained:
“It’s the kind of thing you want to do… plant trees, plant hedges, just really restore the wild side of the farm and the surrounding land.”
The fallow year also enables other essential work such as:
- Repairing roads, stages, and backstage infrastructure
- Renewing vendor and partner contracts
- Improving sanitation and water facilities
- Conducting planning workshops for future editions
These activities are largely invisible to the public but are vital to delivering the high standards fans expect.
Has Glastonbury Taken Breaks Like This Before?
Yes, and the festival has always returned stronger. Below is a summary of previous fallow and cancelled years:
| Year | Type of Break | Reason | Notes |
| 2012 | Fallow | Land and infrastructure recovery | Occurred after several large events |
| 2018 | Fallow | Standard fallow year | Long-planned environmental break |
| 2020 | Cancelled | COVID-19 pandemic | Health and safety concerns |
| 2021 | Cancelled | COVID-19 pandemic | No large gatherings allowed |
These breaks have become part of the festival’s rhythm, a moments to reset and reflect. The 2026 break continues this legacy of responsible planning.
What Are the Personal and Cultural Reasons Behind the Break?
Beyond logistics and ecology, the fallow year also serves personal and cultural purposes. In 2026, Emily Eavis intends to take a step back from the festival workload to enjoy more time with her family. Her father, Michael Eavis, the festival’s founder, turns 90 in October that year, and celebrations are being planned.
Emily shared:
“I am looking forward to going to a sports day, for example, without being really stressed. It’ll be really nice — I’ll be present.”
This human aspect of the fallow year is often overlooked, yet it underscores how Glastonbury remains, at its heart, a family-run endeavour. The festival’s character is built on its people as much as its performers.
Will There Be Any Events at Worthy Farm in 2026?
At this time, organisers have made it clear: there will be no public events at Worthy Farm in 2026. The festival grounds will remain closed to the public as regeneration and maintenance work takes place.
There are no plans for live-streamed alternatives or spin-off mini-festivals. Unlike the COVID years, 2026 is not about finding ways to compensate for a lost event, it’s about intentional restoration.
What Can Fans Expect in 2027?
Though 2026 will be quiet, the anticipation for 2027 is already building. Emily Eavis has hinted that it will be a special edition, likely celebrating multiple milestones and incorporating new features inspired by feedback from previous years.
While no line-up announcements or ticket dates have been confirmed, fans can expect a familiar rollout pattern:
| Timeline | Expected Activity |
| Autumn 2026 | Ticket registration and deposit phase |
| Spring 2027 | Line-up reveals and coach packages |
| June 2027 | Glastonbury Festival returns |
Staying updated via Glastonbury’s official website and social media channels is essential, as tickets tend to sell out rapidly.
What Are the Alternatives to Glastonbury in 2026?
While Glastonbury takes its scheduled break, UK music lovers can still experience the country’s vibrant festival scene. Some notable alternatives in 2026 include:
- Reading & Leeds Festival: A staple for rock and alternative fans
- Latitude Festival: A blend of music, literature, and comedy
- Isle of Wight Festival: A historic event with diverse acts
- Green Man Festival: Known for its scenic setting and indie charm
- Boomtown Fair: Immersive storytelling and underground music
These festivals may not match Glastonbury’s scale, but they offer compelling atmospheres and unique identities worth exploring.
Why Is the Fallow Year Important for Glastonbury’s Future?
The 2026 fallow year isn’t a step back — it’s a strategic move to preserve the integrity and longevity of the festival. Glastonbury has grown exponentially since it began in 1970, and with growth comes responsibility.
By choosing to pause every few years, the festival:
- Preserves the quality of the land
- Reduces pressure on the local community
- Allows time for innovation and infrastructure upgrades
- Strengthens its environmental and ethical commitments
Ultimately, the fallow year ensures that Glastonbury doesn’t just survive, it thrives.
FAQs About Glastonbury 2026
Is Glastonbury cancelled or postponed in 2026?
No, Glastonbury 2026 is a planned fallow year, not a cancellation or postponement.
Will any artists perform at Worthy Farm during the break?
No performances or public events are scheduled for 2026. The farm will remain closed to the public.
Why are fallow years necessary?
They help protect the environment, maintain infrastructure, and give organisers and communities a well-earned rest.
What’s being done at the site during the fallow year?
Tree planting, repairs, contract renewals, environmental restoration, and planning for 2027.
How do I prepare for Glastonbury 2027 tickets?
Register early, follow official updates, and be ready for announcements around autumn 2026.
Will 2027 be a special year?
Yes, it’s expected to feature major acts and possible milestone celebrations, especially after the 2026 break.
Where else can I go in 2026 if not Glastonbury?
Consider Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Green Man, Boomtown Fair, or the Isle of Wight Festival.
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