The Origins of Glastonbury Festival: A Cultural Milestone in 1970

In June 1970, Michael Eavis hosted the inaugural Glastonbury Festival at his Somerset dairy farm, marking the beginning of what would become one of the world's most iconic music festivals. The event, then known as the Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival, was characterized by its modest beginnings and a backdrop of cultural upheaval during the peak of the flower power movement. Eavis, motivated by financial necessity and a passion for music, created a unique space for artistic expression that would evolve over the decades into a celebrated cultural phenomenon.

According to Michael Eavis, the festival's founder and owner of Worthy Farm, the motivation behind organizing the festival was largely economic. "I think this is the quickest way of clearing my overdraft," he quipped during a BBC interview on September 18, 1970. The dairy farmer explained that the local agricultural climate was dire, with numerous farms in the area closing down due to financial difficulties. As Eavis took over the family farm at the young age of 19, he faced the daunting task of managing the farm's substantial debt while nurturing his passion for music.

The festival's inception coincided with a significant moment in music history; the Bath Festival of Blues and Progressive Music in 1970 inspired Eavis to create a similar event. "The Sun was shining, people looked fantastically beautiful... There was a huge anti-Vietnam war crowd, and the songs were so moving," Eavis recalled in a 2015 interview with the BBC, reflecting on the transformative atmosphere of that summer.

Despite lacking experience in festival organization, Eavis took a leap of faith by booking the glam rock icon Marc Bolan to headline the first festival for £500. However, when The Kinks, originally intended to perform, canceled, Bolan's participation became a fortunate turn of events for the fledgling festival. Eavis recalls, "I said that would be fantastic. Bolan was the father figure of the glam rock thing."

The first festival attracted about 1,500 attendees, falling short of the projected 5,000. Entry fees were set at £1, which included free milk sourced from Eavis's farm. The event was marked by a spirit of community, with attendees demonstrating generosity by fundraising for those who arrived without money. Eavis's optimism was palpable, stating that despite financial losses, the event received significant publicity, ultimately garnering interest from other bands and music lovers.

Despite making a loss on the first festival, Eavis's ambition did not wane. He would not see any profit until 1981, eleven years later. The festival evolved into the Glastonbury Festival in 1979, maintaining its roots in promoting music and community engagement. Eavis's vision encompassed more than just a musical event; it became a vehicle for charitable causes, raising funds and awareness for various charities through the years.

The festival’s cultural significance cannot be overstated. It has hosted legendary performances, from Jimi Hendrix to Billie Eilish, and has become a rite of passage for music fans globally. The festival remains a beloved institution, symbolizing the ideals of freedom, community, and artistic expression that were central to the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 70s.

Looking back, Eavis expressed no regrets about the challenges faced in organizing the first festival. "It was absolutely super. It was worth it for the success," he stated, highlighting the joy and camaraderie that the event fostered. As Glastonbury Festival continues to grow, its origins reflect the resilience and creativity of its founder, who transformed a simple idea into a global celebration of music and community—a legacy that endures today.