Remembering Weeley and Bickershaw: UK Festivals of Chaos

The Weeley and Bickershaw festivals, held in the early 1970s, are often overshadowed by the more famous events like Woodstock and Altamont. Yet, these UK festivals are remembered for their chaotic environments, from extreme weather to violence among attendees. Writer and musician Mick Farren, who attended both events, vividly recalled the experiences that marked these festivals as unique moments in music history.

The Bickershaw Festival, held in a poorly drained area near Wigan in May 1972, was a particularly harrowing experience. Farren described the scene as mud-covered figures struggled through calf-deep mire while the Flamin’ Groovies performed. The three-day event was plagued by relentless rain, which transformed the site into a muddy wasteland. As Farren recounted, the situation escalated into a bizarre exchange involving a wandering hippie who offered to trade a yo-yo for a drink, highlighting the surreal nature of the festival.

In contrast, the Weeley Festival, located just outside Clacton in August 1971, faced its own set of challenges. This festival was characterized by oppressive heat, leading to grass fires and violent clashes between security personnel and motorcycle clubs. The lineup boasted big names such as T.Rex, King Crimson, and Mott The Hoople, but the execution fell far short of expectations.

Both festivals were organized by inexperienced promoters who underestimated the complexities of hosting large-scale events. The Bickershaw promoters, led by television presenter Jeremy Beadle, failed to consider the weather and site conditions. Meanwhile, the Weeley organizers, who admitted they had never managed anything larger than a charity event, neglected crucial safety measures, leading to dangerous situations for attendees.

At the Weeley Festival, the lack of preparation resulted in a catastrophic environment. Long grass had not been mowed, creating a fire hazard. Reports indicated that parked cars exploded, and confrontations between the Hells Angels and festival security escalated into violence. An underground publication described how a makeshift vigilante group intervened to confront the bikers, leading to serious injuries and chaos that marred the festival’s reputation.

Despite the turmoil, the performances at both festivals still garnered attention. At Weeley, the atmosphere was charged as Marc Bolan faced a hostile crowd and turned the tide with his charisma. At Bickershaw, the Grateful Dead delivered an impressive four-hour set that left a lasting impact, even prompting a momentary break in the rain. Farren noted the significance of this performance, as it was the first time the band had played such an extended set for a British audience.

These festivals serve as a testament to the era’s wild spirit and the enduring power of rock music. Although they were filled with moments of chaos and unpredictability, they also offered a unique experience for attendees, including the thrill of being so close to legendary performances.

As the music festival landscape has evolved into highly organized events with comfort and safety in mind, the tales of Weeley and Bickershaw remain important reminders of a time when the risks were high, but so too was the passion for music. The legacy of these chaotic festivals continues to resonate among those who experienced them, cementing their place in the annals of rock history.