Eavis backs Metallica despite protests

Michael Eavis believes Metallica deserve their headline spot at Glastonbury, as no other band has ever been as "keen" to play the music festival.

Opposition to the band's appearance has been growing due to claims their heavy metal sound does not fit the "hippy" vibe of the festival and their frontman's associations with bear-hunting.

But Mr Eavis, speaking underneath a giant furry bear at Glastonbury's site office, said he was looking forward to watching the band headline, alongside Arcade Fire and Kasabian.

Mr Eavis said the polar bear - leftover from the Greenpeace Area last year - was placed on the site's entrance after it emerged Metallica lead singer James Hetfield had been involved in a bear hunting programme.

Glastonbury Festival opens its gates on Wednesday June 25, with the main bands playing from Friday June 27.