Banksy’s new £1million project revealed near Glastonbury
BANKSY has bought a pub in the village which hosts the Glastonbury Festival, sources say.
The undercover graffiti artist is said to be part of a group which spent £1million doing up The Crown.
It features a restaurant adorned with quirky art — including a stuffed squirrel in a glass case playing pool — though none is believed to be by Banksy.
Sources say he was looking to “squirrel away” some of his fortune earned from his creations.
Some of the works on display are by Dorcas Casey, who featured in Banksy’s Dismaland exhibition in 2015.
The pub in Pilton, Somerset, is frequented by the man behind the Glastonbury Festival, Michael Eavis, and his large workforce as well as performers.
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It was reopened last year with a new sign showing a toppled crown.
A source said: “Banksy loved the idea of being part of Glastonbury and its right-on message.
"It’s also a gateway to all the music superstars who attend. He has put a decent chunk of money in.”
The garden boasts a mini recreation of the festival’s iconic Pyramid Stage.
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There are rumours Michael’s festival-running daughter Emily also put money into the 18th-century inn, while Bansky himself is said to have been seen by locals.
One who did not want to be named, said: “Everyone here is talking about it. He’s been known to watch the rugby in the pub.”
Companies House records show it was acquired by London-based KS Property.
It is being run by Owain Powell and his partner Rowena Draper who live on a camp next to Worthy Farm, which hosts the Glastonbury Festival.
It was reopened last August with a lit fanfare from Eavis.
He marched a flame from his “Tolpuddle fire”, which burns constantly on the festival site as a tribute to martyrs who fought for workers’ rights.
Mr Powell denied Banksy was involved and said: “I bought the pub with a couple of friends.”
A spokeswoman for Banksy declined to comment. Emily Eavis was approached for comment.
