Tickets for this year’s Glastonbury festival were snapped up in 90 minutes, a record for the ever-popular event. Fans wishing to attend Britain’s biggest music festival had to supply their personal details and a passport photo in advance to acquire a ticket when they went on sale yesterday. All 135,000 were sold in 90 minutes.

The new technology was designed to prevent multiple applications by individuals or agencies who have profiteered by selling tickets for up to £700 on the black market and auction sites.

“I think we may have conquered the touts,” Independant quoted Michael Eavis as saying. “I can’t see a way around it, unless they get a face transplant.”

About 400,000 people had registered for tickets before the phone lines opened for business at 9am yesterday. More than 1,500 were sold every minute.

“They had all gone by 10.45am, it’s brilliant,” said Mr Eavis. “It’s great people are so enthusiastic about the festival but, without sounding big-headed, it is the best one isn’t it? It just seems to get more popular.”

“We’ve been doing it for 37 years, so we must be getting something right.”