Michael Eavis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Eavis
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Eavis in June 2024
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Athelston Joseph Michael Eavis
17 October 1935 Pilton, Somerset, England, UK
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| Known for | Co-creator of Glastonbury Festival |
| Children | 5, including Emily Eavis |
Sir Athelston Joseph Michael Eavis (born 17 October 1935) is an English dairy farmer. He is famous for co-creating the Glastonbury Festival. This huge music and arts event takes place on his farm in Pilton, Somerset, England.
Contents
Michael Eavis's Early Life
Michael Eavis was born in Pilton, Somerset, on 17 October 1935. He grew up on Worthy Farm, which is where the Glastonbury Festival is now held. His father was a dairy farmer and also a Methodist preacher. His mother was a school teacher.
Michael went to Wells Cathedral School. After that, he studied at the Thames Nautical Training College. He then joined the British Merchant Navy as a trainee officer. He planned to work at sea for many years. This would help him earn money for the family farm.
Taking Over the Family Farm
When Michael was 19, his father passed away. Michael then took over the family farm. It had about 150 acres of land and 60 cows. To help make ends meet, he also worked in a coal mine for a few years.
Michael Eavis has been married three times. He has five children, including his daughter Emily Eavis, who now helps run the Glastonbury Festival. Like his parents, he is a practicing Methodist. .....
Creating the Glastonbury Festival
In 1969, Michael Eavis and his second wife, Jean, went to a music event called the Bath Festival of Blues. They saw the famous band Led Zeppelin perform. Michael was so inspired by this experience.
The First Festival on His Farm
In 1970, Michael decided to host his own music event. He called it the Pilton Pop Folk & Blues Festival. It was held right there on his farm. The next year, a free festival called Glastonbury Fayre was organized. This event eventually grew into the massive Glastonbury Festival we know today.
In 2010, the festival celebrated its 40th year. Michael Eavis even joined the famous musician Stevie Wonder on stage. They sang "Happy Birthday" together!
Michael Eavis and Politics
Michael Eavis has always been interested in politics. His family's background and his time working as a miner influenced his views. He was even a member of the miners' union.
In the early 1980s, he helped start a local group for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. This group worked to stop nuclear weapons. From 1981 to 1987, the Glastonbury Festival helped raise money for this cause.
Supporting Political Parties
After recovering from stomach cancer, Michael Eavis ran for election in 1997. He was a candidate for the Labour Party. In 2004, he suggested that people who were unhappy with the Labour Party should vote for the Green Party. This was because of the Iraq War. However, he went back to supporting the Labour Party in 2010.
In 2017, Michael Eavis invited the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to the festival. He introduced Corbyn on the main stage. Eavis supported Corbyn's ideas about stopping nuclear weapons and helping people who are struggling financially.
Helping Others Through Charity
Michael Eavis uses the money made from the Glastonbury Festival to help many good causes. He supports local projects, like fixing up the old Tithe Barn, Pilton.
In 2008, he explained that the festival helps the local economy so much. This means it brings a lot of money and jobs to the area. Because of this, the festival is very important to the community.
In 2009, Michael Eavis was in a short film. The film was made to promote the county of Somerset. He also served as a vice-president for the Somerset Wildlife Trust. He stepped down from this role in 2018.
Awards and Recognition
Michael Eavis has received many honors for his work. He has honorary degrees from the University of Bath and the University of Bristol. These are special degrees given to people who have achieved great things.
In 2007, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This was for his services to music. In 2009, Time magazine named him one of the top 100 most influential people in the world.
In 2015, a train was named Michael Eavis after him. Another train was named after him in 2019. In 2022, he was given the Freedom of the Town of Glastonbury.
In early 2024, Michael Eavis was made a Knight Bachelor by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. This means he can now be called "Sir Michael Eavis." He received this honor for his amazing contributions to music and charity.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Eavis para niños
- Max Yasgur, an American farmer who hosted the Woodstock Festival in 1969
