Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis hails 'best festival yet'

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones perform on the Pyramid Stage Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

The founder of Glastonbury Festival has said that in 43 years of running Britain's most famous musical event he has never put on a better one.

Michael Eavis admitted he had been known to say it before, but added: "It really is the best festival I've ever done, without a shadow of a doubt."

Thousands of revellers flocked to farm in Somerset for the musical extravaganza, which also featured the Arctic Monkeys, Dizzee Rascal, Primal Scream, Elvis Costello, and Mumford & Sons.

Eavis said his personal highlight was the Rolling Stones headlining the Pyramid Stage on Saturday night - something he said he had been trying to make happen since the festival began.

Rolling Stones singer Sir Mick Jagger, 69, takes the mic on the Pyramid Stage Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

The capacity of the Pyramid area was expanded for the first time for the Stones, meaning a festival record of 100,000 saw Sir Mick Jagger strutting his stuff.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones perform on the Pyramid Stage Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

"Musically, they were absolutely brilliant," said Eavis, who claimed the band were number one in his top 10 of headliners, above Radiohead, U2 and Oasis.

"Mick Jagger's energy leading that band with such a passion and so much style - he was absolutely amazing."

The crowd watch as the Rolling Stones perform on the Pyramid Stage Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Unlike in previous years when tents became marooned in a lake of mud, and much to the distaste of welly-vendors, the weather remained largely sunny for all three days of the festival.

Rachel McHugh and Amy Clifton are ready for the festival Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Festival-goers taking part in a giant tomato fight Credit: PA
Travelling in style at Glastobnbury Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Among the celebrities spotted at the festival, were the Queen (or at least a cardboard cut-out of her), supermodel Kate Moss and footballer Wayne Rooney.

Prince Harry was also rumoured to be at the festival, with Eavis claiming that the prince had partied until four in the morning.

Read: Eavis: Prince Harry 'partied until four in the morning'

A cardboard cut-out of the Queen at the Glastonbury Festival Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Kate Moss and Stella McCartney backstage at the Glastonbury Festival Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire

But this year's festival was not only a first for the Rolling Stones; it was also a debut for the Gyuto Monks of Tibet whose brand of spiritual chanting has stormed the alternative charts and landed them a record deal.

Read: Tibetan monks get record deal and Glastonbury spot

The Gyuto Monks of Tibet pose with wellies at Glastonbury Credit: Jim Ross/PA

It was also a festival debut for veteran entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth, who described the gig as one of the biggest and best shows of his life.

The entertainer brought a crowd of thousands to the Avalon stage, with the queue outside the tent ten deep as fans tried to get inside.

At the age of 85, he is one of the oldest performers to ever play at Glastonbury.

85-year-old entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth performing on the Avalon stage Credit: PA
Festival-goers gather in the stone circle at dawn on the final day of the festival Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
As festival-goes leave the farm tomorrow, the big clean-up begins Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire