Hiya! I’m SJ Smallpage and Glastonbury is my little peace of heaven on earth. I’ve volunteered for the Festival every year I have attended and each year there is something special that makes my year.
Following Glastonbury 2022, we became aware that Michael Eavis had been unwell and I had the idea of showing my support, by creating a Flash Mob in his image for Glasto-goers to attend and demonstrate their backing for the legendary festival founder — And so the Michael-Mob was born.
Then in 2023, the idea came to to fruition when I asked everyone to join me at the Stone Circle, wearing beards and bald heads or masks of Michael — It was a huge success and hit the BBC news as well as local news too, with around 300 people in attendance for the great party and fun and support.
Prior to the event taking place, I had the pleasure of meeting Michael that morning and told him of my plans — He laughed and said with a smile “a herd of me – how terrifying!”
A local artist named Syd, who runs The Stencil Shed, had provided artwork of Michael and mounted them on poles so all could see where to gather.
One of the attendees and my close friend, Lisa Morris accompanied by her son Thomas said “It’s such an amazing thing to do. It’s just so Glastonbury where the punters create an event within the event. Michael deserves all of our thanks – he’s such an amazing man and Emily is fantastic too — We want to thank them all!”.
Showing the love for Michael Eavis ❤️
— BBC Somerset (@bbcsomerset) June 21, 2023
You've never seen so many bald heads and beards. pic.twitter.com/3ilUTGXmpR
Fast forward to this year’s Festival [2024], and building on the success of last year’s Flash-Mob, I plan to make this summer’s Michael-Mob party even bigger and better so Michael will be proud of us — He needs to know how much we appreciate everything he has done for us at the Festival and for the local community.
Glastonbury have supported this gathering and are making sure there is enough space for the Michael-Mob gathering, so bring your beards and heads and come and party with me (SJ) and friends — The Sir Michael-Mob will take place on the Wednesday of the Festival (26th June) at 6pm at the Stone Circle.
