When was the first Glastonbury Festival and who were the headline acts?

Festival-goers first headed to Worthy Farm in 1970. (Picture: Robert Blomfield Photograph via Getty Images)

It’s accurate to say that Glastonbury was once a much smaller affair. Compared to today’s numbers, only a small crowd turned out to listen.

The festival has a rich history full of celebrities, epic setlists and, yes, the odd controversy as well.

But when was the first Glastonbury Festival and who were the headliners?

Here’s what you need to know…

When was the first Glastonbury Festival?

Many major events and companies start out from humble beginnings, but maybe none as humble as Glastonbury.

Inspired by an open-air festival he attended in 1970, dairy farmer Michael Eavis – who still helps organise the show now – decided to throw his own festival at Worthy Farm.

Naming it Pilton Pop, Folk and Blues Festival, it took place in late Summer 1970 – opening just 24 hours after Jimi Hendrix had died.

Around 1,5000 people turned up to the first ever Glastonbury Festival (Picture: Robert Blomfield Photograph via Getty Images)

Only 1,500 turned out to the festival – a significant turnout for organisers who were only expecting a small number. What may have attracted them was the £1 entry fee, or the fact revellers got as much free milk from the farm as they liked.

The event didn’t take long to get its name, however, being labelled the Glastonbury Fair from 1971. The date of the festival was also moved in line with the Summer Solstice.

The first Glastonbury Festival was caught on camera as a special event (Picture: Robert Blomfield Photography via Getty Images)Who headlined at the first Glastonbury Festival?

Psychedelic rock and folk band Tyrannosaurus Rex (aka T. Rex) was brought in to headline the very first show after The Kinks cancelled. Why, you ask? Because they hadn’t realised it was only a ‘mini-festival’.

Other acts in the lineup included Steamhammer, Keith Christmas, Stackridge, Al Stewart, and Quintessence.

After proving a major success, tens of thousands of people have since flocked to Worthy Farm each year to see some of the biggest names in music.

Glastonbury 2022 takes place from June 22-26.

MORE : The Damned pull out of Glastonbury due to Covid as fellow band Reef step in

MORE : Hundreds arrive at Glastonbury two days early to avoid strikes

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