Last weekend, thousands of music enthusiasts gathered at Worthy Farm in Somerset for the renowned Glastonbury Festival. The event featured an impressive lineup including Coldplay, Dua Lipa, SZA, Shania Twain, LCD Soundsystem, Idles, Disclosure, The Streets, and Jungle, among many others, delivering three days of unforgettable performances.

Despite its consistent run over recent years, Glastonbury might soon take a scheduled break. The festival traditionally operates for four or five consecutive years before pausing for what’s known as a “fallow year.” This break helps preserve the land and supports the sustainability of the event.

Looking Ahead: Potential Fallow Year in 2026

Festival organiser Emily Eavis confirmed that Glastonbury will return in 2025 but hinted that 2026 could be designated as a fallow year. Speaking on the BBC’s Sidetracked podcast with hosts Annie Mac and Nick Grimshaw, she shared some insights about future plans.

“I have a vague idea in my head of who is going to be performing next year,” Eavis revealed. “Then we might do a fallow year after that. It’s looking like we are due one.”

This announcement might be disappointing for dedicated festival-goers, especially after the pandemic forced a two-year hiatus. However, Eavis emphasised that fallow years are crucial for several reasons.

Why Does Glastonbury Need a Fallow Year?

Glastonbury takes place on a working dairy farm, spanning 900 acres. When the festival is not happening, the land is home to herds of cows. During the event, approximately 200,000 people descend on the site, which can heavily impact the terrain. A fallow year allows the land to regenerate and recover from the wear and tear caused by the festival’s large crowds.

Eavis explained the necessity of this pause: “The fallow year is important because it gives the land a rest and lets the cows reclaim their space.”

The break benefits not only the environment but also the people behind the scenes. Organising such a massive event is a monumental effort requiring extensive planning and logistics. A fallow year provides the organising team with much-needed downtime to recharge.

Preserving the Spirit of the Festival

Eavis reflected on the festival’s ethos, highlighting that taking a break aligns with their values. “It’s important not to seem like we’re just cashing in,” she noted. “Even when it’s tempting to keep going, sometimes you need to slow down, take a step back, and return with renewed excitement.”

The fallow year ultimately serves as a reset, ensuring that both the environment and the festival’s creative spirit remain vibrant for years to come.