Michael Eavis to be honoured at UKFA

Glastonbury boss to pick up Outstanding Contribution

United Kingdom | 22 October 2008

Michael Eavis will be honoured with the Outstanding Contribution Award at next week's UK Festival Awards.

The fifth edition of the awards, which takes place at indigO2, Greenwich in London next Thursday (30 October), will commend the Glastonbury organiser for his involvement in shaping the current festival landscape.

Following criticism from the media after his 2007 event, Eavis went on to produce one of the best Glastonbury weekends of the decade in June, cementing his place as one of the most important and influential characters in the industry.

His decision to book hip hop star Jay-Z as a headliner for this year's event was greeted largely with trepidation from the press, but it proved an inspired move as the rapper drew one of the largest crowds the event has seen.

Virtual Festivals decided to recognise Eavis' contribution to the industry after running Glastonbury for the past 38 years. The festival has become the most famous in the world and still sets the benchmark for other live events.

Festival Awards organisers have also announced that Brit Pop heroes Ocean Colour Scene and current live favourites Pete and the Pirates are set to perform live at the ceremony.

Voting for the awards has now closed and the winners will be announced exclusively at the UK Festival Awards show on Thursday 30 October. Click HERE to see the shortlists.

Stay tuned to Virtual Festivals for all the award winners, losers and gossip as the event unfolds.