Glastonbury Festival’s Evolution Over Time
Glastonbury Festival has transformed significantly since its inception in 1970. What started as a small event with tickets priced at £1 and inclusive of camping and a complimentary pint of milk has now morphed into a global sensation, hosting some of the most prominent music artists of our time.
The inaugural Glastonbury Festival in 1970, then called the Pilton Pop, Folk, and Blues Festival, welcomed around 1,500 attendees who were treated to performances by iconic artists like The Kinks and Wayne Fontana. The event was inspired by the success of similar music festivals like the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music, as well as Woodstock in the USA. Fast forward to present day, and Glastonbury Festival has become a legendary gathering that draws crowds from all corners of the world.
In 1971, Glastonbury Fair, as it was now known, saw an increase in attendance to around 12,000 people and marked the emergence of the famous Pyramid stage. Positioned strategically on the Glastonbury-Stonehenge ley line, the Pyramid stage became the festival’s centerpiece and a symbol of its spiritual and cultural significance.
The festival continued to evolve over the years, with themed editions like the ‘Year of the Child’ in 1979, which led to the establishment of Children’s World charity. By 1981, the event had grown to accommodate 18,000 festival-goers, partnering with Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and embarking on ambitious projects like building a new and robust Pyramid stage.
However, not all years were without trials, as seen in 1994 when the iconic Pyramid stage tragically burned down just days before the festival. A replacement was swiftly arranged, and the event continued without a hitch, marking the first televised coverage of Glastonbury Festival.
In 2000, a record-breaking number of attendees flocked to witness the spectacular return of the Pyramid stage, while unauthorized gate-crashers challenged security measures. This led to the installation of a £1 million “super fence” in 2002, effectively curbing unauthorized entries and ensuring the safety of the 140,000 legitimate festival-goers.
The festival encountered further challenges in 2005 when extreme flooding wreaked havoc on the site, causing damage to tents and displacing belongings of many attendees. In response, Mr. Eavis allocated substantial funds towards flood prevention measures to safeguard against future incidents.
Throughout the years, Glastonbury Festival continued to innovate, introducing new stages like Emily Eavis’ Park Stage in 2007, further enhancing the festival experience for attendees. With its rich history and ongoing evolution, Glastonbury Festival remains a testament to the enduring spirit of music, art, and community celebration.