Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis has defended the festival's rising ticket prices for next year's event after a huge backlash.
Emily says she and her fellow organisers 'tried very hard' to keep the price increase to a minimum but are 'facing enormous rises in the costs of running this vast show' - in addition to dealing with the financial blow due to not being able to host the much-loved festival for two years thanks to Covid-19 restrictions.
Tickets for the 2023 festival will cost £335 plus a £5 booking fee for standard tickets, with £50 as a deposit and the balance due by the first week of April.
The last time tickets went on general sale was in 2019, when they cost £265 plus a £5 booking fee for what should have been the 2020 festival, but it was subsequently cancelled for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Next year's Glastonbury festival will kick off June 21 at Worthy Farm in Pilton, near Glastonbury. The deadline for new registrations is 5pm GMT on Monday, October 31, with sales opening in 'early November', according to the festival's website.
Addressing the rise on Twitter, Emily said: "We have tried very hard to minimise the increase in price on the ticket but we’re facing enormous rises in the costs of running this vast show, whilst still recovering from the huge financial impact of two years without a festival because of Covid.
"The £50 deposit on ticket sales day in November will be the same as ever, with the balance not due until April.
"And, as always, there will be opportunities for many thousands of people to come as volunteers or as part of the crew.
She added: "In these incredibly challenging times, we want to continue to bring you the best show in the world and provide our charities with funds which are more vital than ever.
"We are, as always, hugely appreciative of your ongoing support."
Following the news of the price increase breaking, fans took to social media to express their dismay at the hike.
"Love Glastonbury, but for many people this is just unaffordable at this time," one festival lover wrote on Twitter, seemingly referring to the ongoing Cost of Living crisis impacting many British people at the moment.
"Jeez….this is quite a hike in prices at quite a difficult time for a lot of people disappointed," another wrote, as a third seemed to defend the price increase, saying: "£175 when I first went in 2009. Increased every year since, but still worth every penny."
Glastonbury fans able to afford the price increase will be able to purchase coach and ticket packages for the 2023 festival from 6pm on November 3 and standard tickets from 9am on November 6.
An additional fee will be charged for the coach transfer if this package is selected.
The music event will return to Worthy Farm in Somerset from June 21 to 25, it was previously announced, and it's rumoured the Spice Girls could reunite once again to headline the iconic festival.
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