11 September 2009
Newsdesk
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.
