Glastonbury Wristbands: History Through Wristbands

Glastonbury Festival is one of the most iconic music and arts events in the world. Beyond the legendary performances and unforgettable experiences, there’s a less obvious but equally fascinating aspect of the festival: its wristbands. These humble bands have evolved alongside the festival, serving as both practical tools and cherished keepsakes, marking the journey of Glastonbury through decades of cultural history.

The Early Days: Paper and Simplicity

The inaugural Glastonbury Festival in 1970, originally called the “Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival,” saw an attendance of just 1,500 people. Entry cost £1, and attendees received a free pint of milk. At the time, there were no wristbands—tickets were simple paper stubs, much like those at a local village fete. The event’s grassroots nature didn’t yet necessitate the robust ticketing systems we see today.

By the late 1970s, as attendance grew, the festival organisers adopted rudimentary paper wristbands. These early bands were functional, designed to ensure only paying attendees gained access, reflecting the festival’s gradual expansion from a small gathering into a larger, more organised event

The 1980s: Identity

The 1980s marked Glastonbury’s transformation into a major cultural phenomenon. The festival began attracting larger crowds and a more diverse audience. Wristbands started to evolve, with longer lasting materials becoming the preferred material.

These vinyl or plastic wristbands were sturdier than their paper predecessors, helping to manage the growing number of attendees more effectively. They also became symbols of identity. Wearing a Glastonbury wristband outside the festival grounds was a badge of honour, a way to signal participation in a unique cultural event. The designs were still relatively simple but carried the festival’s growing ethos of creativity and community.

The 1990s: Colours and Crowd Control

The 1990s saw a rapid expansion in Glastonbury’s size and popularity, alongside the rise of major headliners and larger stages. This growth came with logistical challenges, particularly around crowd control and ticket fraud.

To address these issues, Glastonbury introduced colour-coded wristbands to distinguish between different types of access, such as general admission, backstage, or VIP areas. The designs became more vibrant, incorporating the festival’s distinctive branding and reflecting its playful, free-spirited nature.

Wristbands during this era were also customised for each year, becoming collector’s items for dedicated festival-goers. Many wore multiple bands from past festivals as a sign of loyalty and pride.

The 2000s: Fabric Wristbands

The 21st century brought with it a wave of environmental concern and wide spread activism, and Glastonbury’s became very influenced by eco friendly and sustainable practices. By the 2000s, the festival had introduced fabric wristbands, revolutionising access control. These bands allowed for durability, reduced the risk of counterfeit tickets, and improved security across the sprawling festival grounds.

Fabric wristbands also enhanced the attendee experience as collecting fabric wristbands became a popular keepsake symbolising cherished memories of the festival. Unlike disposable paper or plastic wristbands, these fabric bands were designed to last long after the event, often sparking conversations and nostalgia among festival-goers. The shift to fabric wristbands also aligned with Glastonbury’s commitment to reducing waste and promoting sustainable alternatives in all aspects of the festival.

Today: Art, Sustainability, and Collectability

In recent years, Glastonbury wristbands have become an art form in their own right. Designed with intricate patterns and vibrant colours, they are a celebration of the festival’s creative spirit.

Over time, these wristbands became an integral part of the festival’s identity, evolving in design each year to reflect the unique themes and artistic spirit of Glastonbury. Today, they are not just a practical tool for access control but a badge of honour for attendees, representing their connection to one of the world’s most iconic music festivals and its enduring commitment to environmental responsibility.

Wristbands: Symbols of Glastonbury’s Legacy

The history of Glastonbury Festival can be traced through the evolution of its wristbands. From humble paper tickets to high-tech RFID bands and sustainable designs, these small but significant items encapsulate the festival’s journey. They remind us that Glastonbury isn’t just a music festival—it’s a cultural institution. Every detail, even a wristband, carries decades of meaning and memory.

As you wear your Glastonbury wristband, you’re not just gaining entry to a festival; you’re becoming part of a rich history and a vibrant future.