Festival in favour after four decades

Glastonbury Festival, held almost annually at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, has been granted a six-year licence to run until 2016.

In the past, owner Michael Eavis's applications have been subjected to scrutiny hearings because of complaints from the public or concerns from the police, fire or ambulance services.

But the latest application, submitted by festival director Melvin Benn, received "few comments and almost no objections", said a spokesman for Mendip District Council.

This meant there was no need for a public hearing for the first time.

There was some early concern about fire provision on site but negotiations have now resolved the issues, the authority added.

Mr Eavis said: "There was not a single complaint; you can't believe it, can you? That's pretty good going and it's a wonderful present for the 40th anniversary.

"We have been working very hard for years and years. I think general approval for the event is worldwide. It's taken a long, long time to be accepted by the community."

"The economic benefit to the region is now around 100m."

Glastonbury's community projects, such as the building of 22 social houses in the village, may have helped build the festival's image over the years, he believes.

More than 170,000 people were on site for last year's event

This year's licence stipulates that "sound generated from stages will not increase", nor will the hours of alcohol sales.

Also, plans have been put in place to minimise traffic problems around the festival.