Glastonbury Festival has become a legendary event that has captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide for decades since it first started in 1970. Beyond the iconic performances and sprawling festival grounds, there’s a lot more that contributes to the festival’s mystique. We wanted to share some of the top and lesser-known facts about Glastonbury that may surprise even the most seasoned of festival-goers.
Established in 1970
Over 50 years ago, the first Glastonbury Festival, ‘The Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival’ was held in 1970 the day after rock legend Jimi Hendrix died. Dairy farmer Michael Eavis hosted the festival on his farm, inspired by the counterculture movements of the ’60s, the festival aimed to bring people together through music and art. Little did Eavis know that this experiment would evolve into one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals.
Back in the day, entry was £1 which included free camping and free milk. And even in its inaugural year, the Festival was popular and was attended by over 1,500 people. Not much compared to the number of attendees these days we grant you, but still for the very first event, it’s an impressive start.
From Giza to Glastonbury
The shape of the iconic pyramid stage was inspired by the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And the stage is located exactly to align on the same ley line as Stonehenge and Glastonbury Abbey, which is especially important as Glastonbury used to be held the same day as the summer solstice.
The Legend of Glastonbury Tor
The festival’s association with mysticism and folklore is heightened by its proximity to Glastonbury Tor, a hill with historical and mythical significance that overlooks the festival site. Some believe that the Tor served as the legendary Isle of Avalon, tied to the tales of King Arthur. This mystical backdrop adds an extra layer of enchantment and magic to the Glastonbury experience.
Eco-First
Glastonbury Festival is not just a celebration of music; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a rich history and a commitment to sustainability. In the 1980s, a peace sign (the logo for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) was introduced to the top of the pyramid – a sign cementing Glastonbury as a platform for global issues.
Glastonbury Festival has become a pioneer in promoting eco-friendly practices. From banning single-use plastics to encouraging recycling and composting, the festival is committed to minimising its environmental impact and leading the way in sustainable event management.
Record breakers
Sir Paul McCartney made history in 2022, becoming the oldest ever solo headliner at the age of 80.
And, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Billie Eilish also went down in the record books in the same year by becoming the youngest ever headliner of the festival.
Size matters
Glastonbury Festival is big. Glastovirgins always underestimate how long it takes to get from place to place. The Glastonbury area size is 1,100 acres which is the equivalent of 500 football pitches. And, the length of the fence around the festival site is 8 miles long.
Secret Sets & Surprise Guests
One of the most exciting aspects of Glastonbury is the potential for secret sets and surprise guest appearances at any given moment. Over the years, artists like Thom Yorke, Ed Sheeran, and even Johnny Depp have taken to smaller stages unannounced, creating unforgettable moments for lucky festival-goers who happened to be in the right place at the right time. The Dalai Lama even attended Glastonbury and spoke in The Peace Garden on a wet Sunday morning in 2015.
