Glastonbury Festival: A Retrospective Journey
By Lettice Bromovsky and Matthew Lodge
In the early hours of the morning on a small farm in Somerset, a music festival began its humble beginnings. Little did anyone know that this event would grow into one of the most iconic and anticipated gatherings in the world. The Glastonbury Festival has become a cultural phenomenon, attracting hundreds of thousands of music lovers and captivating millions more through television broadcasts.
1970: The Birth of Glastonbury
The inaugural Glastonbury Festival, then known as Glastonbury Flair, took place in 1970. Although no surviving posters from that year exist, one notable accomplishment was securing the legendary David Bowie as a performer. The festival featured a pyramid-shaped stage, a distinct symbol that would become synonymous with the event in the years to come.
1979: The Rise of Glastonbury CND Festival
The Glastonbury CND Festival, which took place in 1979, marked a pivotal moment in the event’s history. With a theme centered around the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) movement, the festival embraced its role as a platform for activism. The lineup featured top acts such as acts such as The Wonderstuff, Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, and Ras Isaac.
1984: Glastonbury Strives Amidst Challenges
The year 1984 posed several challenges for Glastonbury, including a legal dispute with Mendip District Council. However, the festival pushed forward, incorporating a structured radio station called Radio Avalon and showcasing incredible talent such as The Cure, Madness, Simply Red, The Housemartins, The Waterboys, and Pogues. Despite financial setbacks, the event attracted a crowd of 18,000 dedicated music enthusiasts.
The 1990s: Glastonbury’s Coming of Age
The 1990s marked a period of significant growth and transformation for Glastonbury. In 1990, the festival celebrated its 20th anniversary with a rebranded name, Glastonbury Festival for Contemporary Performing Arts, emphasizing its diverse range of attractions. The festival also weathered challenges, including confrontations with travelers and a death that occurred due to a drug overdose. However, the event prevailed and continued to attract larger crowds each year.
The 2000s witnessed a significant surge in the popularity of Glastonbury. In 2002, the festival reached new heights, hosting headline acts such as the Kings of Leon, Radiohead, and Elvis Costello. The event also became the subject of controversy when rap megastar Jay-Z headlined in 2008. However, his groundbreaking performance proved the festival’s ability to embrace diverse musical genres and attract a wide-ranging audience.
The Present and Future
Glastonbury Festival continues to reinvent itself year after year. From iconic headliners like The Rolling Stones and Kanye West to groundbreaking performances by artists like Stormzy and Dua Lipa, the festival consistently delivers unforgettable moments for music enthusiasts around the world. As it expands, embracing new genres and accommodating larger crowds, Glastonbury remains a celebration of art, activism, and the magical power of music.
