As the 80s roll around, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament begins its involvement in the festival, starting with a name change and then the expansion of its role within the event.
Glastonbury CND Festival
The festival enters a new decade with a new name, part of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament's involvement. The CND handles promotion and ticket sales, and receives a £20,000 donation in return.
A new Pyramid Stage is built, using old telegraph poles and iron sheeting, standing in the same spot as its 1971 counterpart. It takes three months to build, but the result is more than worth it.
Jun 19 – 21
£8
18,000
- FriGinger Baker
- SatHawkwind
- SunTaj Mahal
- Name changes to Glastonbury CND Festival. First year joining the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
- Pyramid Stage: Second permanent version built. Constructed from telegraph poles and metal sheeting from the Ministry of Defence.
- The second iteration of the famous Pyramid Stage. The CND logo was too heavy to lift, so it remained at the side of the stage.
- Glastonbury 1981's official programme.
- The 1981 festival comes to a close. A faint Glastonbury Tor can be seen in the background.
CND's involvement grows, and they now control gates, information services, press, and advertising. The CND logo finally gets its time to shine on the Pyramid Stage, where it stays for the remainder of the decade.
Glastonbury's introduction to severe weather happens on the Friday, with Somerset recording its highest rainfall in forty-five years. Despite this, the festival is a resounding success, with attendance now over double that of the previous decade.
Jun 18 – 20
£8
25,000
- FriBlack Uhuru
- SatRoy Harper
- SunRichie Havens
- The Pyramid Stage, now sporting the CND's famous logo at its apex.
- Glastonbury 1982's announcement poster.
- Glastonbury 1982's map, printed inside the CND's Sanity magazine.
A new law is passed, allowing local authorities to regulate outdoor events. The festival applies for, and is granted, a licence which sets the crowd limit — now 30,000 — and conditions for all on-site services.
Worthy FM's predecessor, Radio Avalon, also makes its debut this year. Worthy FM continues to broadcast at the festival to this day.
Jun 17 – 19
£12
30,000
- FriMelanie
- SatUB40
- SunKing Sunny Adé & His African Beats
After breaching the 1983 licence, Michael Eavis is forced to defend five prosecutions brought by the Mendip District Council. Upon successfully doing so, he swiftly applies for a new licence with a 15 percent increase in capacity. He's successful with that eventually, too.
The Green Fields spring to life at this year's festival, the beginning of an area that now spans multiple fields and offers everything from tea tents and science workshops to massages and woodworking.
Jun 22 – 24
£13
35,000
- FriDr. John
- SatElvis Costello
- SunFela Kuti
- 17 Jan 1984: Michael Eavis successfully defends five prosecutions. These were brought forward by the Mendip District Council for breaching the 1983 license.
The festival outgrows Worthy Farm and the neighbouring Cockmill Farm is purchased, increasing the size of the festival by 100 acres.
Jun 21 – 23
£16
40,000
- FriJoe Cocker
- SatIan Dury
- SunHugh Masekela
- Cockmill Farm purchased. Increases festival size by over 100 acres.
Glastonbury CND Festival
Jun 20 – 22
£17
36,000
- FriPsychedelic Furs
- SatThe Cure
- SunGil Scott-Heron
Glastonbury CND Festival
Jun 19 – 21
£21
60,000
- FriNew Order
- SatElvis Costello
- SunTaj Mahal
Fallow Year
The festival's first official fallow year, giving the grounds time to recover.
Glastonbury CND Festival
Jun 16 – 18
£28
65,000
- FriSuzanne Vega
- SatElvis Costello
- SunFela Kuti