Michael Eavis has confirmed James Brown is to play

He has also said that parents or guardians with children aged 13 to 16 will only be able to buy a maximum of two child tickets.

Youngsters must be accompanied at the gate by an adult sharing the same home address.

Tickets cost �112, plus a fee and postage, and go on sale on 1 April.

'Godfather of soul'

They will only be available via a dedicated telephone line and through a website; are restricted to two per person and will be personalised.

In a statement, Mr Eavis said: "I am sorry if this change to a debit card-only policy causes any problems, but there are benefits for everyone.

"This measure has allowed the festival to cut the booking fee charged to �3 per ticket and should there be any further savings, I will pass that money on to the charities and good causes the festival supports.

"Thank you for your forbearance but all of these changes are made to make real improvements to the ticket sales for this year."

The festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton, will be held from 25 to 27 June 2004.

It has been confirmed that James Brown, known as the "godfather of soul", will be appearing on the Sunday evening.