Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Eavis pays tribute to his right-hand man
GLASTONBURY Festival supremo Michael Eavis has led tributes to one of the mainstays of the festival team.
Robert Richards died on Wednesday at Guy’s Hopsital in London after a short illness at the age of 65.
As well as playing an integral role in the festival’s success for more than 30 years, he also played a wider role in the Mid-Somerset community.
Mr Eavis said: “Alongside this work, Robert helped me personally with projects in Pilton village, particularly the big social housing project and the village shop.
“He was also chairman of the Glastonbury Town Fund Board which raised £24 million for the town in 2021.
“I am personally very sad and upset to lose this remarkable man who I will find difficult to replace. Now that the fever of life and his days are over, may God give his soul the rest it deserves. Thank you, Robert.”
He started at the festival setting up stalls to help revellers and to campaign for the CND. He was the producer of Julien Temple’s Glastonbury film in 2006.
In recent years, Robert had been responsible for partnerships, large commercial deals and sponsorship, and he helped secure the licence for the festival to continue in 2014. The £24 million of government funding he helped secure for the Glastonbury community last year will make a lasting difference to the town.
Julie Reader-Sullivan, head of service for Planning and Growth at Mendip District Council and leader of the Support Team for the Glastonbury Town Deal, said: “We were saddened to hear the tragic news about Robert Richards, whose loss will be keenly felt throughout the Glastonbury community, Somerset as a whole, and further afield. As chair of the Glastonbury Town Deal Board, he was an inspiration, getting things going from a standing start and driving this ambitious vision for the town.
“His wealth of enthusiasm, energy and creativity, combined with his wide knowledge and experience, made him an empowering person to work with, while his good-humoured nature made him a pleasure to be around.
“Through his work with the Glastonbury Town Deal, he has undoubtedly left an inspiring legacy for the town. He will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends at this very sad time.”