Michael Eavis Picture Ref: 77394-51SWINDON FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE: I'M GOING to start this review by praising Michael Eavis' talk in Swindon last night because I've been told flattery will get you everywhere.

Michael, the man behind Glastonbury Festival, was simply brilliant. He was interesting, funny, energetic does this mean I can bag a free ticket to the biggest music event of the year?

Tickets for this summer's band fest sold out in just three hours so this is my last hope.

Michael explained that Glastonbury's popularity came as a massive surprise when he first dreamed up the idea 35 years ago.

The festival grew from a mere 1,000 punters to more than 100,000, and has become a utopia for popular and new bands.

Artists from David Bowie and Marc Bolan to Coldplay, REM and Radiohead have graced the stages and wowed the crowds.

And some, like Paul McCartney, have been moved to tears by the experience.

The hippie invasion, fence jumpers and furious opposition from residents were all covered in Michael's chat at the Railway Museum, in Faringdon Road.

His passion for music and for fun was clear from the beginning.

"The whole world seems to come to the farm," he said. "They all have a lovely time and are fantastic people so attractive. It's all about fun, joy, life and loving."

Although during the early years the festival was run at a loss, its notoriety has helped turn fortunes around and, in the past, funds have been donated to CND.

But Michael said he was always worried how much of a success the next festival will be.

With 130,000 people expected in the summer this is assured. But Michael, surely one more ticket wouldn't hurt would it?

Ben Payne