Photo: WENN.com

Michael Eavis and former Glastonbury promoter and manager Melvin Benn have announced the end of their partnership, leaving a huge job vacancy on the UK festival scene.

Benn has managed the (mostly) annual event since 2002, when he was brought on board to run the event as it became increasingly popular - and attracted more and more gatecrashers every year.

The duo have announced the end of their working relationship in a joint statement.

"I'll be sorry to see him go but he has masses of responsibility with all of his shows across the world and now is a good time to part company," says Michael Eavis - who owns the Somerset land on which the festival takes place. "I've got just about the best team in the business and Emily and Nick [Eavis daughter and son-in-law] are heading up the next generation to take on more responsibility as well."

Meanwhile, Benn added: "I am committed to ensuring as smooth a handover as possible to the new team in Pilton and to enjoying Glastonbury for many years to come as a festival-goer myself."

Glastonbury took a break from the festival circuit in 2012, but will return in 2013.

Below: sunburn to mudbath - Glastonbury 2011