FOUR years have flown by since preparations for Glastonbury Festival 2020 was brought to a grinding halt as part of the government's fight against Covid-19.

On March 18 of that year, amid the rapidly changing situation due to the pandemic, Sir Michael Eavis and Emily Eavis cancelled the festival with heavy hearts.

The duo released a statement announcing the cancellation of the 50th anniversary of the iconic festival.

Just two days prior, prime minister Boris Johnson had requested the nation to stay at home and limit social interaction.

And on March 23, Mr Johnson instructed the public to stay at home.

In the statement, the Eavises said: "Glastonbury 2020 will have to be cancelled, and this will be an enforced fallow year for the festival.

"Clearly this was not a course of action we hoped to take for our 50th anniversary event, but following the new government measures announced this week – and in times of such unprecedented uncertainty – this is now our only viable option."

Somerset County Gazette: Festival founder Michael Eavis, who received a knighthood in the New Year honours.Festival founder Michael Eavis, who received a knighthood in the New Year honours. (Image: Yui Mok, PA Wire)

They hoped the situation would have improved by the planned festival dates in June – but, even if this had been the case, the festival organiser's would not have been able to build the infrastructure required for 200,000 people.

Some 135,000 people, who had paid an initial deposit for a Glastonbury 2020 ticket, were apologised to directly.

An offer was extended to these fans, giving them the chance to roll their £50 deposit over to the next year, therefore guaranteeing them the opportunity to buy a ticket for Glastonbury 2021.

But that was later cancelled, with the festival finally returning in 2022.

The Eavises said their hearts went out to the hardworking crew and volunteers, who would be feeling the blow of this devastating decision.

They concluded their statement with these heartfelt words: "We were so looking forward to welcoming you all for our 50th anniversary with a line-up full of fantastic artists and performers that we were incredibly proud to have booked.

"Again, we're so sorry that this decision has been made.

"It was not through choice.

"But we look forward to welcoming you back to these fields next year and until then, we send our love and support to all of you."

Glastonbury had already announced much of its line-up, which included global superstars like Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Diana Ross and Paul McCartney.

Lamar, Ross and McCartney all performed at Worthy Farm when the festival returned in 2022.

Swift is yet to make her long-awaited debut in the Somerset fields.