For the first time in the history of the festival, Glastonbury won’t go ahead due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. A bummer to loads of fans and artists – especially because it would’ve been the 50th anniversary, with headline performances from Paul McCartney, Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift. But don’t worry, festival organisers came up with an extraordinary idea to properly honour the celebrations: A virtual V&A exhibition.
London’s V&A museum is home to the Glastonbury archives – and this year they’ve decided to share the memories with the whole world. During the week that would’ve been the official 2020 Glasto festival, the V&A will showcase a special page on their website for a duration of seven days.
In this virtual exhibition, fans can have a look at old posters, interviews, programs, photographs and passes. There’s also a seven-minute-long video that has captured a day in the life of Glastonbury – by sound designer Gareth Fry. Fry’s footage is giving you a chance to experience some exclusive material, like audios from soundchecks at the Stone Circle and Pyramid Stage during the 2015 festival.
Who's up for #GlastHomeBury?
Starting today, the V&A is hosting an online celebration of all things @glastonbury. Coinciding with the weekend when the world-famous festival was due to celebrate its 50th year. (1/2) https://t.co/QJMg9Avk4Q pic.twitter.com/yW6l2sWIP7— V&A (@V_and_A) June 22, 2020
In another part of the archive, a blog section is looking at how the festival organisers have repurposed festival gear to support the NHS. But festival workers and performers aren’t the only one who can contribute to the festival memorabilia: Fans are very welcomed to send in their own memories. Just write an email to glastonbury@vam.ac.uk explaining which year you attended the festival, where the memory took place and describe the experience, significance and the performers.
Co-organiser Emily Eavis said: “We are delighted that the V&A is joining us in celebrating Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary. The festival is witness to decades of creative, social and political change, and your memories are an integral part of this story. Please do share your Glastonbury memories and join in the V&A’s seven days of festival fun.”
