Irish rock giants U2 have been confirmed as the headline act for Glastonbury's 40th anniversary.

It will be their first appearance at the Somerset festival, which was launched by dairy farmer Michael Eavis in 1970.

Singer Bono and his band will take a break from their North American tour to perform at Worthy Farm in Pilton on the weekend of June 26 to June 28.

Announcing the news yesterday a delighted Mr Eavis said: “At last the biggest band in the world is going to do the best festival in the world,” he said.

“Nothing could be better for our 40-year party, and there are even more surprises in the pipeline.”