Gorillaz confirmed for Glasto's virtual return.

Animated band Gorillaz are among the first acts to be confirmed for Glastonbury 2001, which the organisers are claiming to be the world's first ever virtual festival.

The event takes place during the usual Glastonbury weekend (June 22-24) and replaces the usual three-day Somerset festival, which this year was cancelled due to problems with the fencing and excess numbers attending last year.

"We have taken the year off and come up with the idea of a virtual Glastonbury 2001. Some of the atmosphere will be captured on screen and the Worthy Farm spirit will prevail," says festival founder Michael Eavis, who adds that the event goes some way to filling the gap left in the festival calendar left by the cancellation of the traditional festival.

The event is being pioneered by online music specialist Playlouder, which bought the webcast rights to last year's festival. Playlouder managing director Paul Hitchman says, "We were determined not to let this year pass without Glastonbury. It provides a fantastic way of promoting the music and ideals of Glastonbury Festival to a worldwide audience."

The event will feature live webcast performances from a number of headline artists, which will ...