New bid to stop Glastonbury touts

An extra 25,000 Glastonbury tickets will be going on sale this year

Tickets for this year's Glastonbury festival will feature a photo of the buyer in an attempt to stamp out touts.

Photo tickets for the legendary music event will be non-exchangeable and ticket holders will be denied entry if they do not match the picture.

The £150 tickets go on sale on 1 April but everyone will have to pre-register during February. An extra 25,000 tickets will be available this year.

Organiser Michael Eavis said he was "determined to wipe out ticket touts".

Hopefully this ploy will be successful - it could really put the ticket touts out of business Michael Eavis

"At the last festival, official tickets were on sale for £125 but there were instances of them changing hands for up to £700.

"This is just not fair for the people who want to come along and enjoy the music.

"Technology has improved so much that we can now include a picture of the purchaser on the ticket and if you don't match the picture at the gate you won't get in.

"Hopefully this ploy will be successful and catch on at other venues as it could really put the ticket touts out of business."

Mr Eavis has promised the line-up will be the "best ever" but refuses to disclose who will be performing.

"I'm really excited about the festival, there's a real buzz about it this year," he said.

Headline speculation

According to Music Week magazine, Chumbawamba, famous for 1997 hit single Tubthumping, are the first band to be confirmed.

Rumours are circulating that bands like the Chemical Brothers, Kasabian, Razorlight, Scissor Sisters and The Who could headline the main stage.

There is also speculation The Police may reform and put in an appearance.

But Kylie Minogue, who had been due to headline in 2005 before being diagnosed with breast cancer, will not be appearing this year.

This year's event is due to be held from 22-24 June on Mr Eavis' Somerset farm, subject to receiving a licence.