Sheelagh Allen 1947-2026

6th October 2026

We’re deeply saddened to share the news that Sheelagh Allen died last week, aged 79. Sheelagh was Michael Eavis’ assistant of more than 30 years until she retired in 2014.

Working from a ramshackle lean-to office tacked onto the side of the farmhouse, Sheelagh wore many hats for the Festival, including handling all of the phone calls and enquiries coming into the farm. That meant dealing with everyone from farm suppliers and Festival-goers to agents, managers and big-name artists.

Said Michael Eavis: “Sheelagh was simply incredible. She worked very closely with myself and my then wife Jean, helping us cope with all of the Festival’s many problems at that time: whether it was with the village, the council or the wider authorities. She was as loyal and discreet as anyone could possibly have been, and always such a positive person to have around. We really couldn’t have done it without Sheelagh, and she stayed close to many of us after she retired. She will be very sorely missed.”