- How These Novels Redefined the American Dream - August 12, 2025
- 20 Songs Inspired by American Literature - August 12, 2025
- 20 Songs That Became Unofficial National Anthems - August 11, 2025
The Dawn of a New Era: Glastonbury 1970
It’s hard to believe now, but the very first Glastonbury Festival in 1970 was nothing like the global behemoth we know today. Back then, the festival was called the “Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival” and took place just one day after Jimi Hendrix’s death—a detail that gave the event an extra dose of raw emotion. Only about 1,500 people attended, each paying just £1 for a ticket, which even included free milk from the Worthy Farm cows. The world was in flux: the Vietnam War raged, and counterculture was blooming. Glastonbury was born into this climate, acting as a sanctuary for dreamers, outcasts, and revolutionaries. It wasn’t just a music event; it was an experiment in freedom and community, with the scent of rebellion in the air. The stage was literally built out of scaffolding and old wood, nothing fancy—just enough to hold up the amplifiers and the hopes of a generation.
Michael Eavis: The Reluctant Pioneer
Michael Eavis, the dairy farmer who hosted the first Glastonbury, wasn’t out to make history. He’d been inspired by the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music, which took place earlier that year. Eavis mortgaged his house to fund the event—a gamble that could have cost him everything. His wife, Jean, baked bread for the festival-goers, and the Eavis family ran much of the festival themselves. Most of the crew were friends and neighbours, and there was no army of security guards—just trust and a sense of collective adventure. Eavis later admitted he had no idea what he was getting into, saying it felt more like a wild experiment than a business. What started as a one-off event quickly became a movement, thanks in part to Michael’s open-hearted, slightly chaotic approach.
Free Milk and Fields of Mud
Attendees of the first Glastonbury recall the mud and rain almost as much as the music. The skies opened up, turning Worthy Farm into a bog. Yet, the sogginess only seemed to fuel the sense of camaraderie. Festival-goers shared tarps, stories, and plenty of laughter as they sloshed through the fields. The free milk wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a practical necessity, offered fresh from the farm’s cows. That simple gesture captured the spirit of the event: generosity, resourcefulness, and a sense of shared struggle. Even the local cows became part of the legend, wandering through the crowd as if they, too, were part of the revolution.
The Lineup: From T.Rex to the Kinks That Never Came
The original lineup was meant to feature The Kinks, but they pulled out at the last minute. Instead, the headline spot went to T.Rex, a band led by the flamboyant Marc Bolan. The set was legendary, blending glam rock with raw, folky energy that fit the mood perfectly. The lineup also included acts like Stackridge and Al Stewart, whose performances are still talked about today by those lucky enough to have witnessed them. There was no social media, no live streaming, and barely any press coverage, so word of the magic happening in Pilton spread mostly by word of mouth. People who were there often describe it as stumbling into a musical fairy tale. The humble lineup set the tone for Glastonbury’s future, where big names and unknown acts would always share the bill.
Counterculture and the Hippie Spirit
The festival quickly became a magnet for hippies, travellers, and counterculture icons. Attendees came dressed in flowing robes, bell-bottoms, and wild hats, carrying banners and guitars. Peace signs and psychedelic art dotted the fields, turning Worthy Farm into a living canvas of the era. Many people camped out days in advance, forming makeshift communes where everyone was welcome. The atmosphere was one of radical inclusion, where differences melted away in the muddy fields. For many, the festival was a chance to experiment with new ways of living and thinking, far from the constraints of mainstream society. Glastonbury became a symbol of hope, a place where the rules of the outside world simply didn’t apply.
Political Tensions on the Edge of the Stage
Glastonbury 1970 wasn’t just about music—it was a gathering point for political dissent and protest. The anti-war movement, women’s liberation, and environmental activism all found a voice at the festival. Leaflets were handed out, impromptu speeches were made, and debates sprang up everywhere from campfires to the main stage. The festival’s open mic sessions became platforms for passionate calls to action. Some attendees recall heated debates about the Vietnam War and the future of British society. Even the music itself took on a political edge, with artists tweaking their lyrics to reflect the mood of the crowd. The festival offered a safe haven for activism, blending art and revolution in a way that felt entirely new.
The Weather: Rain, Thunder, and Unstoppable Joy
The weather at the first Glastonbury was famously unpredictable. Periods of sunshine quickly gave way to torrential rain and even the occasional clap of thunder. Tents leaked, boots got sucked into the mud, and the air was thick with the smell of wet grass and wood smoke. But instead of dampening spirits, the wild weather only made the experience more memorable. People danced in the rain, improvising raincoats out of bin bags and blankets. The festival became a test of endurance, bonding strangers together in the battle against the elements. Looking back, many attendees say the weather was part of what made the first Glastonbury feel like a rite of passage.
Homemade Stages and DIY Sound Systems
The first Glastonbury stage was a far cry from the high-tech rigs seen today. Built by hand using whatever materials were available, it creaked and wobbled under the weight of the amplifiers. The sound system was cobbled together from borrowed speakers and old wires, run by volunteers with little experience. There were no fancy light shows or pyrotechnics—just a few spotlights and the electric energy of the performers. At times, the sound cut out completely, leaving bands to play unplugged sets by torchlight. This DIY approach became part of the festival’s charm, proving that passion and creativity could outshine even the most expensive equipment.
Communal Meals and Pop-Up Kitchens
Food at the first Glastonbury was simple but hearty. The Eavis family and local volunteers set up makeshift kitchens, serving bread, cheese, and the now-legendary free milk. Some festival-goers brought their own stoves, sharing meals and recipes with strangers. Communal cooking became a focal point, bringing people together after long, muddy days. The food was basic—think lentil stews and homemade soup—but it tasted like a feast after hours in the rain. This spirit of sharing, of looking out for one another, became a hallmark of Glastonbury culture. Even now, the festival’s food scene is known for its diversity and sense of community, a tradition that began with those first pop-up kitchens.
Homemade Art and Spontaneous Performances
Art was everywhere at the first Glastonbury, but not in the form of expensive installations. Instead, festival-goers brought their own creations: painted banners, handmade jewelry, and impromptu sculptures made from found objects. Musicians wandered the fields, playing acoustic sets for small crowds. Dancers spun barefoot in the mud, and poets recited verses by lantern light. These spontaneous performances gave the festival a sense of magic, as if anything could happen at any moment. The boundaries between artist and audience blurred, making everyone feel like part of the show. This tradition of participatory art continues at Glastonbury today, with the festival encouraging creativity in all its forms.
Peace, Love, and Psychedelic Substances
Psychedelics were a visible part of the first Glastonbury. LSD, cannabis, and other substances were passed around openly, fueling the festival’s wild, dreamlike atmosphere. Some attendees recall seeing entire groups “tripping” together, watching the clouds swirl and the music morph into something otherworldly. These experiences weren’t just about escapism—they were often seen as spiritual journeys, a way to break down barriers and connect on a deeper level. The open use of psychedelics was controversial, drawing criticism from local authorities and parents. But for many, it was an essential part of the festival’s ethos: liberation, exploration, and pushing the boundaries of consciousness.
Security: Trust Over Fences
There were no massive fences or security checkpoints at the first Glastonbury. Instead, the festival relied on trust, community, and a handful of volunteers to keep the peace. Everyone looked out for each other, and disputes were resolved with conversation rather than force. Theft was rare, and there was a sense that everyone was in it together. This approach wasn’t without risks, but it fostered an atmosphere of freedom that’s hard to imagine today. Over the years, Glastonbury has had to ramp up security as the crowds have grown, but many veterans still reminisce about the days when you could wander in and out at will.
A Festival Funded by Faith
Michael Eavis risked everything to put on the first Glastonbury. He mortgaged his farm, dipped into savings, and relied on ticket sales to break even. The festival wasn’t a financial success—Eavis actually lost money—but the experience convinced him it was worth trying again. The support from the local community was crucial, with neighbours helping out wherever they could. This leap of faith, both financial and personal, set the tone for the festival’s future. Even now, Glastonbury is known for its charitable work and community focus, a legacy of those first uncertain steps.
Local Reactions: Suspicion and Support
The arrival of thousands of hippies in rural Somerset was met with a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and grudging admiration. Some locals worried about drugs, noise, and the impact on their quiet village. Others embraced the festival, offering help and even joining in the festivities. The Eavis family worked hard to reassure their neighbours, emphasizing the event’s peaceful intentions. Over time, the relationship between Glastonbury and the local community has evolved, with the festival becoming a major source of pride—and revenue—for the area. The first event was a test of patience and open-mindedness on both sides.
Media Coverage: Barely a Whisper
Unlike the wall-to-wall coverage Glastonbury enjoys today, the first festival barely made the news. A few local papers ran small stories, but national outlets mostly ignored it. There were no TV crews or celebrity interviews, and most photos were taken by the attendees themselves. The lack of media attention added to the event’s underground mystique. Those who were there felt like they were part of a secret society, a hidden chapter in music history. It wasn’t until later festivals that Glastonbury’s legend began to spread, helped along by word of mouth and the growing fame of its performers.
Environmental Consciousness: The Seeds Are Planted
Even in 1970, environmental concerns were bubbling beneath the surface at Glastonbury. The festival’s rural setting made attendees acutely aware of their impact on the land. Litter was collected by hand, and many people brought reusable cups and plates. The emphasis on sharing and simplicity meant there was little waste. Over the years, Glastonbury has become a leader in green initiatives, from composting toilets to renewable energy. The seeds of this environmental consciousness were sown in those early days, when every scrap of rubbish had to be picked up before the cows returned to the fields.
Fashion: From Tie-Dye to Wellington Boots
The style at the first Glastonbury was a riot of color and creativity. Tie-dye shirts, patchwork jeans, and homemade jewelry were everywhere. Many festival-goers arrived barefoot but quickly learned the value of a sturdy pair of wellington boots as the mud took over. Raincoats were improvised from plastic sheeting and bin bags. The eclectic fashion sense reflected the festival’s free-spirited ethos—anything went, as long as it felt authentic. This tradition of playful, weather-proof fashion lives on at Glastonbury, where style is as much about practicality as self-expression.
Family and Children: All Ages Welcome
Despite its wild reputation, the first Glastonbury was remarkably family-friendly. Children ran freely through the fields, making friends and joining in the music. The Eavis family’s own kids were part of the crowd, and many other parents brought their children along. Activities were improvised—singalongs, games, and nature walks. The atmosphere was one of trust and freedom, where kids could explore and adults could relax. Today, Glastonbury is famous for its kid-friendly areas and family camping, a tradition that started with those first muddy footsteps in 1970.
Legacy: The Spark That Changed Everything
Looking back, it’s clear that the first Glastonbury was more than just a music festival—it was the spark that ignited a cultural revolution. The sense of community, the willingness to take risks, and the belief in a better world set the stage for everything that followed. What began as a small gathering in a muddy field has grown into one of the most influential festivals in the world. The echoes of 1970 can still be heard in every guitar strum, every protest sign, and every muddy boot that crosses Worthy Farm. The story of that first Glastonbury is a reminder that sometimes, the biggest revolutions start in the unlikeliest of places.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
