LOVERS of live music currently suffering withdrawal symptoms can get a festival fix with a unique Glastonbury Weekender experience this summer.
The V&A Museum in London has put together a three-day event featuring a mix of digital experiences and in-museum events and installations building on the V&A’s Glastonbury @ 50 research project launched last year.
Starting on 25th June, a one-day virtual conference will reveal the unseen world and history of Glastonbury, going behind the stage to explore the evolution and influence of this world-famous festival.
Glastonbury 1979 photographer credit Dave Walkling
Speakers include Head of Events at Greenpeace Bob Wilson, founder and Creative Director of Arcadia Pip Rush, artist and founder of Mutoid Waste Company Joe Rush, founder of the Kidzfield Tony Cordy, artist and geographer Luke Piper, Dr Roxy Robinson and Dr Beatriz Garcia.
The Glastonbury Weekender running June 26-27 includes responses to the Glastonbury Archive by artists, designers and students.
This weekender forms part of a pilot research collaboration between Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the V&A that will research and archive artefacts, stories and the history of Glastonbury Festival, in order to increase understanding and appreciation of this iconic cultural event.
Glastonbury 2008 photographer credit Barry Lewis
The fully searchable database will be available to researchers and the public, shedding new light on the impact of Glastonbury Festival.
Kate Bailey, V&A Senior Curator of Theatre and Performance said: “Glastonbury Festival’s rich and diverse archive is an incredible resource and reflects over fifty years of performance history capturing social, cultural and political change.
“Festival organisers have paved the way for global festival culture and since its inception have driven awareness of environmental issues while enabling limitless creative expression.”
Glastonbury 1987 photographer credit John Novis
Professor Christopher Smith, AHRC Executive Chair said: “Glastonbury Festival has been a hugely significant date in the cultural calendar for more than 50 years, having an influence on many areas of life from music to politics, fashion to society.
“The absence of live performance has been sorely missed during the pandemic and we hope that by sharing our research into the history and the impact of Glastonbury, we will enable people to immerse themselves in the festival once again and enjoy a new kind of collective experience.”
Liz Eliot, Founder of the Green Fields said: "I love Glastonbury festival and I love the Green Fields. It has always been such fun! I have had the opportunity to work with some brilliantly like-minded people who have been a constant source of love and inspiration. We are united in our vision of living together in a new sustainable way in this glorious world."
Glastonbury 2010 photographer credit Barry Lewis
More Glastonbury Festival news:
Concerts at Glastonbury Festival site in September get the GO-AHEAD
Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza to return with headline act announced
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