The annual Wood Awards, which recognise and encourage outstanding design, craftmanship and installation in joinery and structures in wood, are being held on Wednesday 19 October in London. | "This restoration is the best thing I've done in my life in a material sense. This barn actually beats the festival!" | | Michael Eavis |
Pilton Tithe Barn will be up against 23 other shortlisted entries including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, the Scottish Parliament's debating chamber and roof in Edinburgh, the Serpentine Gallery Pavillion 2005 in London, and Bovey Castle's Minstrel's Gallery in Devon. Michael Eavis spoke to BBC Somerset Sound's Steve Haigh about the barn and the awards. You can listen to the interview by clicking on this audio link:
The Tithe Barn
 | | Inside the newly restored tithe barn |
Pilton Tithe Barn was struck by lighting in 1963. The entire roof, then thatched, was completely destroyed by fire, leaving just the stone walls standing. Speaking on BBC Somerset Sound, Michael Eavis said: "I was out in the field milking the cows when the lightning struck. In no time at all, the whole place was ablaze. Funds from Glastonbury Festival have since helped to restore the barn. Michael Eavis said: "I vowed that one day, however I could possibly do it, I'd get the roof back on the barn again." The restoration Restoration work began on Pilton Tithe Barn in 1994. The new roof was built by Peter McCurdy, who has previously won an award for the Globe Theatre in London.
 | | Michael Eavis and Sir John Keegan open the barn |
Michael Eavis said: "The roof is made from English oak which has come all the way down from Northumberland. I don't think there's another roof like it - there's been no compromising on this at all." Originally used to store produce destined for Glastonbury Abbey, the barn is now used for public events such as medieval fairs and dances, as well as working as a real farm building for the rest of the time. Asked if he was most proud of Glastonbury Festival or the Tithe Barn, Michael Eavis replied: "When I'm dying, if I've got time to think about what I've done, the restoration will be the best thing I've done in my life, in a material sense. "This barn actually beats the festival." The barn was officially opened on Friday 1 April, 2005 by local historian Sir John Keegan who was one of the first supporters of the project. | 
