The Glastonbury Festival, now one of the world’s most iconic music events, began as a modest gathering in 1970. These early years were markedly different from the massive productions we see today, yet they held a special magic all their own. Photos from 1970 and 1971 reveal an intimate atmosphere filled with free-spirited attendees, rustic stages, and an overwhelming sense of community.
Back then, the festival was more of a hippie gathering than the large-scale event it has become, focusing on peace, music, and the celebration of alternative culture. The pictures from those first two years show crowds sitting on grassy fields, musicians performing in simple setups, and vibrant costumes that captured the era’s essence. These moments reflect the festival’s roots as a haven for creativity and self-expression.
Though small and informal compared to today’s standards, the early Glastonbury Festival laid the foundation for decades of music legend. The spirit captured in these images echoes through every subsequent festival, reminding us why Glastonbury remains a beloved cultural landmark.