From Cows to Crowds: Glastonbury is the UK’s Most Iconic Farm Diversification Project

When people think of Glastonbury, they picture massive stages, music legends, and muddy boots. What most forget, or never knew, is that behind the scenes of the world’s most famous music festival is a working dairy farm, owned and operated by one of the UK’s most recognisable farming families: Michael and Emily Eavis. 

 

Worthy Farm: A Diversification Success Story 

Nestled in the Somerset countryside, Worthy Farm is home to around 400 dairy cows. But for a few days every year, it becomes one of the most visited pieces of farmland in the world. Music royalty like The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, and Paul McCartney have all taken the stage on this patch of British soil. 

Michael Eavis originally launched the Glastonbury Festival back in 1970, selling tickets for just £1, which even included free milk from the farm’s dairy herd. What began as a small effort to make some extra money during tough times for farming has now become a global cultural phenomenon. 

One of the most commonly asked questions is: what happens to the cows? While the festival takes over the fields, the herd grazes elsewhere. The milkers are kept close by in cleaner areas to ensure animal health and hygiene remain a top priority, even with thousands of festivalgoers on-site. 

Worthy Farm doesn’t just diversify through music, it leads by example in sustainable farming. In 2010, the farm became home to the UK’s largest privately owned solar power station at the time, with all cowsheds fitted with panels capable of powering around 40 homes. Today, the entire festival is powered by renewable energy, proving that innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet, or your farm’s primary operations. 

 

Start Your Own Diversification Story 

Not every diversification venture will become a legend like Glastonbury, but that’s not the point. The goal is to make extra income, get more from your land, and build resilience into your business for the future. Whether it’s: 

• Glamping 

• Farm shops 

• Outdoor events 

• Workshops 

• Or even festivals of your own... 

There are countless ways to innovate, and it all starts with one idea. 

 

Visit the Farm Business Innovation Show 2025 

Join us at the Farm Business Innovation Show on 5-6 November 2025 at the NEC, Brimingham, to find out how to turn your land into a launchpad for something new. From renewable energy to agri-tourism, discover what's possible when you bring creativity, entrepreneurship, and rural grit together. 

Register now and start writing your own Worthy Farm success story, because your land might not host the next Glastonbury, but it can be the start of something remarkable.