Music aficionado and entrepreneur, Michael Eavis CBE, who founded the Glastonbury Festival, has received an honorary degree from Buckinghamshire New University in recognition of his significant achievements in the music industry, his business reputation and his strong links with the University and its students.

 

Michael was amongst a distinguished gathering of individuals who were honoured at Bucks New University's graduation ceremonies held at the Wycombe Swan theatre from 7-11 September.

 

Michael staged the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970. By 2005, the festival had become the biggest music festival in the world, playing host to the biggest names in rock, reggae, blues and folk music. Michael received a CBE for his services to the live music industry in 2006, and was listed as one of the world’s most influential people in the Heroes & Icons section of the Time 100 list, published in April. Michael also received a Green World Award at the MIDEM international music market in Cannes in January 2009, in recognition of his efforts in reducing Glastonbury’s carbon footprint.

 

Bucks New University was one of the pioneers of music management degrees and now offers a portfolio of courses spanning the music, events and festival management industries. It has recently pioneered a new Certificate in Sustainable Events Management. Michael Eavis was the guest speaker at one of the University’s annual Enterprise Week events.

 

Michael said: “I very much enjoyed my sessions with the students a couple of years ago and I am very pleased to accept this award. I felt the university had a very vibrant and invigorating atmosphere that I am very honoured to be associated with.”

 

Michael took centre stage at Glastonbury this year when he officially opened The Free University of Glastonbury on 26 June. The Free University provided a new literary strand at this year’s Festival and featured some of the country’s smartest thinkers and most talented authors discussing a diverse range of subjects, from maths to music, and nature to non-conformism.

 

Around 1,500 Buckinghamshire New University students are receiving their degree certificates in the presence of family and friends, this week. Michael Eavis took the stage alongside Paul Latham, Chief Operating Officer, International Music, Live Nation, and Chairman of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills, who was the guest speaker. Paul advised the graduating music management students to: “Find out what makes you special and what you enjoy doing. If you are luck enough to work in the music and entertainment business you are very lucky – you’re selling magic.”