Hip-hop 'legend' to headline Glastonbury

Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis has booked a hip-hop “legend” to headline this year’s event in a bid to escape the festival’s white and ageing image.

Mr Eavis told the Press Association this year’s Saturday headliner was a rapper from New York, but wouldn’t confirm or deny if it was platinum-selling recording artist Jay-Z – who hails from the Big Apple.

The 72-year-old dairy farmer said he hoped the addition to the line-up would attract a younger crowd and move away from a history of mostly white performers filling the coveted headline slots.

His announcement comes ahead of the festival’s registration window, which starts tomorrow.

Fans of the Somerset festival who want to get their hands on one of the 137,500 tickets set to go on sale must provide contact details and a passport photo in order to receive a registration number.

Although having a registration number doesn’t guarantee entry to the festival at Worthy Farm, in Pilton, hopefuls won’t be able to purchase a ticket without one.

Speaking from his farm, Mr Eavis said he hopes at least 50% of the audience will be under 25-years-old.

“We’re trying to get youngsters to the festival this year,” he said.

“Hopefully the headliner will appeal to them. Traditionally we’ve had a very white line up and I’m moving away from that.

“The Saturday slot is a wonderful hip-hop artist from New York and a bit of a legend in my view.”

When asked if the artist was New York rap giant Jay-Z, Mr Eavis wouldn’t be drawn.

He said: “We need more young people here. I’d like to see at least half the people under-25.

“I’m trying to address the balance otherwise the festival will die out with the older people.”

But Mr Eavis said there will still be something for everyone and confirmed American crooner will play the Sunday headline slot.

“Neil Diamond is for people closer to my age,” he said.

Mr Eavis, who started the festival in 1970, said he still loves organising the festival.

“I don’t know what I’d do without it,” he said.

“It’s a very exciting life I’ve found myself in.”

Revellers have from February 1 to March 14 to register their interest. Tickets will go on sale on April 6.