1979 Glastonbury Archive

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• 1. At 11:09am on 08 Jun 2010, martin wrote:

  Hello all,
  This was my first festival and first Glastonbury. We got stopped by the local plod after getting lost on route and quite sensibly stopping and asking a couple of the aforementioned for directions. They searched us and our car and sent us on our way after giving us directions! I had never been in trouble with the law before and was really bemused by their treatment. It was a lovely sunny day when we got to the site. No pyramid stage but a kind of scaffolded structure with, if I remember correctly, some kind of inflatable balloon type thing as a cover. The generator kept breaking down amidst clouds of black smoke during quite a few sets. The Only Ones were amazing, Steve Hilage was truly cosmic. Saw Some Hawkwind offshoot performing an Egyptian mystery play about Osiris on a smaller set and came across a mad bunch preparing to sacrifice a TV as representing the evils of the commercial world. Didn't sleep, got sun burnt, met some lovely people and will never forget it. Anyone else remember 1979? Has anyone got any pics? Met a guy called Nigel, we picked him up on route after being searched by the police. Are you there Nigel.

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• 2. At 1:19pm on 08 Jun 2010, Paul G wrote:

  Hello all,
  My trip to Glastonbury - 1979 seems a long time ago. It may be a surprise to know that when you paid up your £5 you had no idea (rumours aside) of who you might see. And £5 was worth having then! My recollections are of a very relaxed site and friendly folk; being able to drive right up to where we camped. Steve Hillage was fantastic, just amazing - can still hear some of the songs. (Martin's note reminds me of the generator problems I had forgotten in the hazy mists). Sky were wonderful - I remember watching the laser show - think it was the first time I'd seen them? And of course Peter Gabriel (joined by Phil Collins, but not the rest of Genesis) was awesome. I can't hear "Here comes the flood" without thinking back to Glastonbury. And by the way, we didn't have any mud.... Much of the rest is only a vague memory - Alex Harvey, Tom Robinson and Nona Hendryx - but a great great time. I still have some black and white negatives of Steve Hillage, one shot of John Martyn, (which proves I saw him, otherwise I would have said I don't remember), and possibly pics of Peter Gabriel & Co. All good.

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• 3. At 08:44am on 10 Jun 2010, fifi wrote:

  Went there with Airspace Inflatables from Bristol and a bunch of YOP workers (YOP work experience program a very short run program aimed at helping the rise in youth unemployment) whose only interest was plastic bags glue and breath spent every evening ripping plastic bags in an effect to "help" them. Had a great laugh and the kids had a ball. YOP workers were not impressed with the toilets, but loved the cider. Don't remember any music. Think I stayed in the Kids area.

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• 4. At 7:33pm on 11 Jun 2010, andrewe_66 wrote:

  This was my first year. I was living in Bristol at the time, went to the bus station and met a whole load of strangers at the station. But we became friends and formed a circle of tents when we were on the site. Hillage did a practice session in a barn before it really started. The Only Ones were really good. Last thing I remember was Time Blake and his Laser show, well apart from having to walk to Glastonbury to catch the bus home.

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• 5. At 11:12pm on 17 Jun 2010, Martin Ashford wrote:

  This remains one of the most memorable festivals I've ever been to. It was a very eclectic line up with The Pop Group,Amazulu,Steve Hillage and The Only Ones amongst others - good weather and a very chilled vibe all weekend. Most people sat on the ground whoever was playing. The sound from the PA was unbelievable and the lighting rig was used as entertainment in itself long after the last band.

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• 6. At 4:57pm on 28 Jun 2010, redspan wrote:

  I still have the program from the '79 Fayre. You can see it online here. Perhaps the moderators could add a link to in under 'Related Links'? http://www.redfairy.co.uk/folklore/glastonbury-festivals-in-the-vale-of-avalon/

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• 7. At 5:47pm on 01 Jul 2010, BBC Music - Rory wrote:

  Hi redspan, we spotted your programme when we launched the archive, you should find a link at the bottom of our Related Links section. Great stuff, thanks for scanning it all in.
  
  Some fantastic memories all, if you have any photos please add them to the Flickr group or get in touch and we'll build a gallery.

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• 8. At 10:51pm on 02 Jul 2010, Dan wrote:

  Yup I remember it well! I think it was the year we (Toby and I) bought the parachute from the surplus store on site, what a tent that made!! in fact it was so good it made repeat appearances up to the mid eighties, unfortunately it was better looking than water proof! What's more it's still going now, just a bit heavy to carry into the festival. It was at the Larmer tree last year tho - best £10 I've ever spent!! I'll post some pics on flickr Highlight for me was Steve Hillage, and the Only Ones - didn't they do a gig in the barn around bonfire night too (or was that later?)

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• 9. At 11:48pm on 02 Jul 2010, Dan wrote:

  Forgot to say the other highlight was Tim Blake's laser show on Sunday night ...... what a show!!!

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