The Glastonbury Festival, today an iconic and internationally renowned music and arts extravaganza, had humble beginnings. The story of the Glastonbury Festival began in 1970 when a young farmer named Michael Eavis, inspired by the spirit of the counterculture movement, decided to organise a gathering on his farm in Pilton, Somerset, England. The festival was initially called the "Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival" and was envisioned as a small, one-day event.
The lineup for the inaugural festival was modest by today's standards, featuring acts such as T. Rex, Al Stewart, and Stackridge. The tickets cost only £1 and included free milk from Eavis's dairy farm. Approximately 1,500 people attended the event, which took place on the 19th and 20th of September 1970.
The first Glastonbury Festival occurred during a period of social and cultural change. The 1970s were marked by a spirit of rebellion and experimentation, with people questioning traditional norms and seeking new ways of living and expressing themselves. The festival embodied this spirit, offering attendees a space to escape from the constraints of everyday life and celebrate music, art, and freedom.
Despite its modest beginnings, the first Glastonbury Festival set a precedent for future editions. Michael Eavis's dedication to the event and its core values, such as inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and support for charitable causes, played a pivotal role in its evolution. The festival's eclectic lineup also continued to attract a diverse audience, making it a unique gathering of music enthusiasts, artists, and free spirits.
Over the years, Glastonbury grew exponentially in terms of both size and popularity. It became a cultural landmark and a highlight of the British summer, with legendary performances from artists like David Bowie, Oasis, Beyoncé, and many others. The festival expanded its offerings to include not only music but also theatre, circus acts, poetry, and visual arts, creating a truly immersive experience.
The Glastonbury Festival is no longer confined to the UK; it has become a global phenomenon, attracting attendees and media attention from around the world. Its ethos of social and environmental responsibility, coupled with its commitment to showcasing diverse musical genres, has helped shape the festival landscape worldwide attracting approximately 200,000 attendees each year.
The first Glastonbury Festival may have been a modest gathering, but it sowed the seeds for a cultural revolution. It epitomised the spirit of the 1970s counterculture movement and set the stage for one of the world's most iconic and influential music festivals. Today, Glastonbury continues to be a celebration of music, art, and freedom, a testament to the enduring power of collective expression and human connection.
Check your understanding
What was the original name of the Glastonbury Festival, and how did it differ from the event's modern form?
Who was Michael Eavis, and what inspired him to organise the first Glastonbury Festival in 1970?
How did the inaugural Glastonbury Festival reflect the cultural and social changes happening in the 1970s?
What were some of the core values associated with Glastonbury from its early days, and how did they shape its evolution?
How has the Glastonbury Festival transformed over the years, both in terms of its size and the diversity of its offerings, and what impact has it had on the global festival scene?
You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here
If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here
Comments