Words & Pictures by the Mayor of Glastonbury town, Jon Cousins
“Just to hear the opera singer singing rock & roll so pure – I thought I saw the Mayor there, but I wasn’t really sure.”
A photo of Ophiuchus backstage at the Bandstand 2016, L-R Myke Vince, Si Cousins, Jon Cousins, Pat D'Arcy, and Richard Hughes.
2016 was a tremendously special Glastonbury for me. To begin with, I had the huge privilege and honour of being elected the 317th Mayor of Glastonbury town that May, and – during the early part of the year – had been having conversations with Michael Eavis about how the town and festival could be more supportive and work closer together. One outcome being the Beeb making a superb little promotional film called ‘The magic of Glastonbury town’, which was screened on BBC 2, on the evening of Friday, 24th June – just before Muse headlined on the Pyramid Stage – and again on the Saturday afternoon.
On the opening day of the Festival (Wednesday, 22nd June) I had a bit of fun with Greg James on BBC Radio One – being that week’s ‘Mayor of Where?’
Greg James: “What was your town’s Roman name?” Me: “It was called ‘Ynys Witrin’...” Greg James: “What sort of things go on there?” Me: “Well, we have an annual carnival and an annual festival – it’s a sort of cultural festival; theatre and arts – and some popular bands ...in fact my band is playing at the festival this year...” Greg James: “And what’s your band called Jon?” Me: “My band is called ‘Ophiuchus’ ...which is almost as good as ‘Ynys Witrin’!” Greg James: “I think I’m going to stop your there – considering what week we’re in I am going to take a guess – are you the Mayor of Glastonbury?” Me: “I am indeed!” Greg James: “And you’re playing this weekend!” Me: “Yes – in fact, I am the first Mayor of Glastonbury to ever perform at the festival!”
...And the Mayor of Glastonbury did perform – with Ophiuchus – on the Bandstand Stage at 1 pm on the Friday!
However, the icing on the cake was watching one of my all-time favourites – Jeff Lynne and ELO – on the Sunday afternoon, and suddenly realising that a truly unique moment was upon me when they performed ‘Rockaria!’ – the lyrics being:
“Just to hear the opera singer singing rock & roll so pure, I thought I saw the Mayor there, but I wasn’t really sure.”
...and saying: “wait a minute... That’s me!”
11th May 2020, Glastonbury, UK