Glastonbury is the UK’s biggest music festival, promising five days of incredible music, otherworldly adventure, eccentric performers, and rainbow-coloured fun.
But for many longtime fans of the festival, the event is now financially out of reach. The price of a ticket increased again in 2025, equating to just off £400 when you account for booking and postage fees.
It’s left many pining after the days when they could dance in Glastonbury’s fields for just £1.
Here’s a look back over how Glastonbury’s ticket price has increased over the past five decades.
1970 - £1
The original Glastonbury Fair cost just £1. Guests could experience a “lightshow, lightship, diorama and films, freaks and funny things.”
1979 - £5
Priced tickets were introduced in 1979, but they were just £5 and funds were donated to the UN Year of the Child.
1981 - £8
The price of a ticket rose to £8 in 1981, thanks to the festival’s investment in a laser, that was used in the Pyramind Stage.
1984 - £13
1984 was a big year at Glastonbury, with stars such as The Smiths, Ian Dury & The Blockheads and The Band performing. That was reflected in the ticket price, which was bumped up to £13.
1992 - £49
Lou Reed and Primal Scream graced the stage at Glastonbury in 1992, which cost £49.
1995 - £65
The ticket price rose again in 1995, jumping to £65. But with Oasis, The Cure, Jeff Buckley and Pulp performing, many felt that it was worth the price.
1999 - £83
Glastonbury cost £83 in 1999, with musicians like R.E.M and Coldplay on the line-up.
2003 - £105
In 2003, the ticket price rose above £100 for the first time. The festival sold out in under 24 hours and was widely acclaimed as the “best yet.”
2010 - £185
The next price jump was instated in 2010, when the ticket fee soared to £185. Luckily, Stevie Wonder, Gorillaz and Muse were among the star-studded lines up.
2022 - £280 + £5 booking fee
A Glastonbury ticket got £100 more expensive in 2022. However, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney and Diana Ross were among the big names performing that year.
2023 - £335 + £5 booking fee
Ticket fees increased again in 2023. Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis said: "We have tried very hard to minimise the increase in price on the ticket, but we're facing enormous rises in the costs of running this vast show, whilst still recovering from the huge financial impact of two years without a festival because of COVID.”
2025 - £378.50 + £5 booking fee + postage and packing for £10.25 per order (or £2.75 per order for coach tickets).
The price increased again in 2025. Hopefully artists such as Charlie XCX, The 1975 and Olivia Rodrigo will make the hefty fee worth it!
