After attending the Bath Festival of Blues & Progressive Music in late June of 1970, a 34-year-old dairy farmer has an epiphany. Michael Eavis decides that his farm is the ideal location for a new festival. In less than three months, his dream becomes a reality.

On the 19th of September, the day after Jimi Hendrix's tragic passing, Glastonbury's predecessor, the Pilton Pop, Folk & Blues Festival, opens its gates. Attendees enjoy performances by T. Rex, Alan Bown, Stackbridge, and more — as well as all the free milk and ox roast they can get their hands on.

Key Events

19 Sept 1970: Event starts its life as the Pilton Pop, Folk & Blues Festival.
The Kinks cancel their headline slot due to Michael Eavis being a dairy farmer. Replaced by T. Rex.

The festival's very first main stage, a far cry from the iconic Pyramid of today.
The poster for the Pilton Pop, Folk & Blues Festival. Free milk!
Festival attendees utilise one of Michael Eavis's old carts to start a fire.

The festival's very first main stage, a far cry from the iconic Pyramid of today. Credit: Freda Wynn

The poster for the Pilton Pop, Folk & Blues Festival. Free milk!

Festival attendees utilise one of Michael Eavis's old carts to start a fire. Credit: David White

The festival's very first main stage, a far cry from the iconic Pyramid of today.
The poster for the Pilton Pop, Folk & Blues Festival. Free milk!
Festival attendees utilise one of Michael Eavis's old carts to start a fire.

Timeline

Full Timeline →

1970

September 19th: Event starts its life as the Pilton Pop, Folk & Blues Festival
The Kinks cancel their headline slot due to Michael Eavis being a dairy farmer

Replaced by T. Rex.