The world famous Glastonbury Festival has been granted a new 10-year licence to allow it to continue to be held.

Mendip District Council said the decision was made without the need for a public hearing - only the second time this has happened.

Previously, licences for the festival have been subject to public scrutiny because of objections from the public about noise management and from police, fire or ambulance services concerned about safety.

There was, however, no opposition to the new application, submitted by Glastonbury's director, Robert Richards, which will see the festival run until 2024.

The application outlined a need for more staff, security guards, litter pickers, stewards and volunteers to help keep people safe at the event.

Dolly Parton, Blondie and Lily Allen are among acts who have confirmed they will be playing at this year's festival, which starts on June 25.

The festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset attracts some of the biggest names in music and past performers include Beyonce, U2 and the Rolling Stones.

Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis, the daughter of founder Michael Eavis, said: "This is fantastic news.

"It's so good to have a plan that will help everything at Worthy Farm move forward.

"I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have contributed so much to Glastonbury Festival over the last 44 years, I really do believe that the best is yet to come."

The number of passes for performers and staff could rise by 25,500 to 63,000 by 2024 but the number of public tickets will remain at 135,000.

Councillor Jeannette Marsh, chair of the council's licencing board, said: "We aren't complacent - just because Glastonbury Festival now has a licence until 2024, this doesn't mean it escapes the close scrutiny that any event this size will have.

"We will continue to work with the organisers to ensure this remains one of the safest events anywhere, and if we have any doubts about this we will take action.

"We recognise how important it is to get this world famous event right, and the huge impact that it has on the local area and community, both positive and negative.

"It is our job as the local district council to ensure we use the opportunities it brings and mitigate the effects it has on local people - and we are confident that the new licence takes these issues on board and addresses any concerns."