IT'S the world's prominent music festival with the most coveted headline slots. Over 54 trailblazing years Glastonbury Festival of Performing Arts has attracted the biggest artists from every genre - with some made to feel more welcome than others. Everyone from Radiohead, Billie Eilish , Sir Paul McCartney , R.
E.M, U2 , Bruce Springsteen and The Arctic Monkeys have graced its Pyramid Stage. Organisers Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily have faced many logistical challenges at their Worthy Farm site over the years as it transforms from a working dairy farm to a pop-up city in the rural South West.
There have been ugly clashes, a devastating fire, strict compliance wranglings and even occasional tragic death - but the bohemian behemoth has withstood them all and remains beloved by music fans around the world. With the festival just days away we take a look at some of its most controversial moments: Glastonbury has evolved massively from its humble, bluesy beginnings in the 70s. The Eavis family has never been afraid to champion current talent, even if it's a departure from sounds associated with previous versions of the event.
One of the first bands to divide the early Glastonbury purists were Manchester indie icons The Smiths. These days the defunct Morrissey fronted band are considered legends having racked up a stunning body of work in just five years in the 80s. But back in 84 the band were uncharted territory for the Glasto crowd with their guitar-driven post-punk roman.
