Glastonbury sets ticket deadline

Fans endured heavy rain at last year's festival

Music fans hoping to go to Glastonbury have been told they must register next month to be in with a chance of getting tickets for the festival.

People must submit their contact details and a passport photo during February in order to buy tickets when they go on sale on 6 April.

Organiser Michael Eavis told BBC News: "I agree it is a tedious business, but people appreciate why we're doing it."

Mr Eavis launched the procedure last year in an attempt to stop touts.

Each ticket will feature a photograph of the buyer and will not be transferable.

I'm putting on a black American headliner who's absolutely terrific Michael Eavis

"We did it last year and it was perfect," Mr Eavis said.

"The only thing is some of the photographs weren't quite good enough so we're sharpening up the pictures."

The festival takes place on Mr Eavis's farm in Pilton, Somerset, from 27-29 June.

He has not revealed any names from the line-up, but when asked by the BBC's Points West programme about his aim to attract a younger audience to Glastonbury: "I'm putting on a black American headliner, who's absolutely terrific that's going to appeal to those people."

Asked if Amy Winehouse would perform, he replied: "I hope so, I really, really do need her."

The ticket registration window opens at 0900 GMT on 1 February and closes at midnight on 29 February.

Fans can register on the Glastonbury website or by picking up a form from camping shop Millets.

Eavis is hoping to make more room for campers

'Trying harder'

Registration does not guarantee a ticket, but those who do not register will not be able to buy a pass when they go up for grabs on 6 April.

Asked whether the process would start to put people off attending the festival, Mr Eavis admitted: "You think it would, wouldn't you?"

But the procedure did not deter about 400,000 people from registering for 137,500 tickets last year.

"I think most people who are really determined to come find a way, don't they, or they try harder?

"It's only the people who are half-hearted about it that don't pursue the chase for a ticket," Mr Eavis said.

He added that he thought it was "absolutely essential" to beat the touts - and if he could not do so, he would rather not run the festival.

Mr Eavis is also hoping to create more space for campers this year by asking the local Mendip District Council to agree to moving the fences.

New talent

Meanwhile, unsigned bands and artists are being offered the chance to play on one of the main stages at this year's event through the festival's new talent competition.

Mr Eavis's daughter Emily, who sits on the judging panel, said: "I am sure we will be able to find some incredible new bands out there.

"It's great for the competition, and most importantly, it will be a great contribution to the festival."

Acts can enter by uploading two tracks to the Q magazine website before 27 January.