A retrospective on the creation and evolution of the Isle of Wight Festival, from its humble beginnings in 1968 as a fundraiser to its massive scale by 1970, featuring anecdotes about booking legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, and the challenges faced with authorities and public perception. The article also touches on the festival's revival in 2002.
‘I watched Bob Dylan play tennis with three of the Beatles’: how we made the Isle of Wight festival
Music festivalsPop and rockIsle of Wight festivalBob DylanCultureIsle of WightFestivalsUK
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A retrospective on the creation and evolution of the Isle of Wight Festival, from its humble beginnings in 1968 as a fundraiser to its massive scale by 1970, featuring anecdotes about booking legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, and the challenges faced with authorities and public perception. The article also touches on the festival's revival in 2002.
Trending- 1 1966: Bob Dylan's motorbike crash.
- 2 1968: First Isle of Wight Festival held, selling 10,000 tickets.
- 3 1969: Second Isle of Wight Festival held, attracting 150,000 people, with Bob Dylan performing.
- 4 1970: Third Isle of Wight Festival held, attracting over half a million people, featuring Jimi Hendrix's last UK performance.
- 5 After 1970: New restrictions make it impossible to continue the festival.
- 6 1996: Murray Lerner's film about the 1970 event is released.
- 7 2002: John Giddings revives the Isle of Wight Festival.
- Creation of a blueprint for modern festivals with camping
- Festival's eventual halt after 1970 due to new restrictions
- Jimi Hendrix's last UK performance before his death
- Festival revival in 2002 by John Giddings
What: The historical development and key events of the Isle of Wight Festival, including its origins, growth, challenges with authorities, and the performances of iconic musicians.
When: 1968 (first event), 1969 (second event), 1970 (third event), 1966 (Bob Dylan's motorbike crash), 1996 (Murray Lerner's film release), 2002 (festival revival).
Where: Isle of Wight, UK; London, UK; New York, USA; Woodstock (mentioned for context); Portsmouth, UK; Windsor, UK (jazz and blues festival).
Why: Initially to raise funds for a swimming pool, then to create a significant pop music festival and a pilgrimage for countercultural artists, driven by the promoters' ambition and the demand for live music.
How: By securing initial investment, persistently contacting and booking major artists like Bob Dylan, managing large crowds, and navigating public and governmental opposition, ultimately creating a blueprint for modern festivals.