Glastonbury Festival has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Starting in 1970 with tickets costing just £1, the festival has evolved into one of the world’s largest and most famous music events, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
In its early days, Glastonbury was a small gathering of music lovers, with a laid-back atmosphere and a focus on folk and rock music. Tickets were affordable, and the event had a free-spirited vibe that matched the counterculture movement of the time. As word spread, the festival grew rapidly in size and reputation.
Over the decades, the festival adapted to changing times and tastes. One significant change has been the introduction of large-scale security measures, including the famous “super fences.” These towering barriers were erected to improve crowd control and safety, reflecting the increased scale and complexity of the event.
Musically, Glastonbury expanded beyond its folk roots to embrace a wide variety of genres, including hip-hop, electronic, pop, and more. This diversity has helped maintain its relevance and appeal to new generations of festival-goers. Hip-hop acts, once rare at Glastonbury, now regularly headline major stages, highlighting the festival’s openness to evolving musical trends.
Glastonbury’s history is a story of transformation—from a small, affordable event to a global cultural phenomenon with extensive security and an eclectic lineup. Despite these changes, the spirit of creativity, community, and celebration remains at the heart of the festival. Each year, Glastonbury continues to bring together people from all walks of life to enjoy music, art, and togetherness.