Glastonbury has been denied a public entertainment license for its 2003 festival by Mendip District Council in Somerset. The festival is set to be staged on June 27 – 29, with uber-stars REM already revealed as one of the headliners.

The decision - the result of a narrow 5-4 vote - was made on the grounds of inadequate security, damage to local environment and the unsuitability of the site, which villagers deemed the festival had "outgrown".

Michael Eavis, the founder of the festival, quickly made it known that he would appeal the decision through the magistrates.

"We are not too bothered and I think it’s all going to be fine," he says. "I am fairly confident that the festival will go ahead."

Also awaiting the final decision are Vince Power’s Mean Fiddler Organisation, who last year acquired an interest in the festival and are responsible for its event management.