EU referendum date clashes with Glastonbury and Euro 2016

Glastonbury rather than the referendum will occupy some folk in June. Picture: Getty

The Prime Minister said 23 June will be a day on which the country makes one of the biggest decisions “in our lifetimes” – but thousands of Brits may be elsewhere.

The Glastonbury music festival will be into its second day by the date of the referendum, and the prospect of revellers casting their votes on the sprawling campsite has already been ruled out.

A petition to host a polling station at the festival was drawn up on the Parliament.UK website earlier this month, but rejected as polling stations are not the responsibility of the government or parliament.

Asked about having a polling booth at the festival a spokeswoman for the Electoral Commission said: “Legally it’s not possible.

“The rules are the same as they would be for a general election. Polling booths can’t just be set up.”

Music fans drew their own conclusions at the government’s plan to hold the referendum on the same date as crowds of young people descend on the festival.

One student wrote on Twitter: “The cynic in me thinks it’s no coincidence that David Cameron has put the EU referendum during Glastonbury weekend.” And while Scotland may have failed to qualify for the Euro 2016 football tournament in France, masses of England, Wales and Northern Ireland supporters could still be across the Channel if their teams make it through the group stages of the championships.

No-one will have to lose out on using their vote, an Electoral Commission spokeswoman said, urging people to get organised as soon as possible.

Absent votes, either by post or by proxy whereby you can nominate someone to vote on your behalf, are available.

The spokeswoman added: “There will be a public awareness campaign to let people know exactly how to get registered. It takes under five minutes to register. No-one should miss out.”