Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis has deferred his retirement and vowed to continue organising the event for another ten years – when he will be 85.
The music-loving dairy farmer, who is preparing celebrate his 75th birthday, has previously said the festival of 2011 would be his last.
But today he insisted he was ”feeling cock-a-hoop” and will now not retire next year – indicating he could still be at the helm when the 50th festival in 2020.
Glastonbury Festival 2010 in pictures
The bearded pensioner runs the show – the largest open air music festival in the world – from Worthy Farm in Somerset, with help from daughter Emily, 31.
He said: ”Maybe I’ve got another 10 years left in me. Emily will be in a good place to take the show on eventually.”
Mr Eavis spoke ahead of the release of tickets for Glastonbury 2011 this Sunday.
The festival’s founding father praised plans for next year’s ”fantastic” line-up of music – boasting he had secured the ”three biggest bands in the world”.
Stevie Wonder, Muse and Gorillaz headlined its 40th anniversary last year and rumours have linked Coldplay and U2 to next June’s headline slots.
The Irish rockers were forced to cancel their much-anticipated performance at last year’s festival – after lead singer Bono picked up a serious back injury on tour.
Mr Eavis also indicated one headliner was to be an American artist – sparking rumours it could be legendary popstar MADONNA.
He teased: ”Glastonbury 2011 will be on a par with this year, and possibly slightly better.”
Tickets for next year’s festival, to take place at Worthy Farm between June 24 to June 26, go on sale from 9am this Sunday.