Irish rock giants U2 have been confirmed as the headline act for Glastonbury's 40th anniversary, founder Michael Eavis said today.

It will be their first appearance at the Somerset festival, which was launched by dairy farmer Mr Eavis in 1970.

Singer Bono and his band will take a break from their North American tour to perform at Worthy Farm in Pilton on the weekend of June 26 to June 28.

Debut appearance: U2 are set to headline Glastonbury in 2010

Mr Eavis said: "At last the biggest band in the world is going to do the best festival in the world.

"Nothing could be better for our 40-year party, and there are even more surprises in the pipeline."

Mr Eavis, 74, who runs the festival with his daughter Emily, has reportedly longed for U2 to perform at his 900-acre farm.

As the 2010 event marks its 40th anniversary, Mr Eavis has promised a line-up fit for the occasion.

Some 177,500 people will be at the event after tickets sold out in 24 hours last month.

The festival, which is as famous for its weather as for its music, has frequently descended into a mudbath in the past.

In 2005, storms and flash flooding caused havoc at the site, with many festival-goers having to use their tents as makeshift boats to float around waterlogged areas.

In 2007, more rain ensured a similar deluge, though a new draining system meant a repeat of 2005 was avoided.