Aug. 1970: Isle of Wight Rock Festival

---

With more than 600,000 people in attendance, the first Isle of Wight festival was one of the largest known gatherings of people. The population of the island itself was around 100,000. More than 50 acts performed over four days, including Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and The Who.

View fullsize

“The ferry, named "Carisbrooke Castle", carrying both tourists, residents and participants.”

View fullsize

View fullsize

“A Nazi Hell Angels gang aside an anti Apartheid movement, a huge contradiction in this peace & love ocean.”

View fullsize

“Admire these "backpackers" with their sleeping bags and satchel across their shoulders who walk with a firm step towards a hypothetical camp!”

View fullsize

“Upper view on the enclosed space of the festival and, at foreground, the tents camp installed by the free rider … Note the captive ballon displaying the "Sunday Express" advertising.”

View fullsize

“Note the kite in the sky…”

View fullsize

“The camp of tents on the slope of the hill at sunset from where the free riders wait quietly the the beginning of the concert…”

View fullsize

“Waiting quietly for the sunset and the beginning of the all night concert…”

View fullsize

“The illuminated stage, may be during The Who's performance”

View fullsize

“The festival has ended one day ago… Some are still strolling on the slope of the hill, where they camped for four nights, among tons of wastes.”

View fullsize

“Last day after the show”

View fullsize

View fullsize

“Desolation and litters in the fields after people left…”

View fullsize

“20 years after you see the vestiges of the festival printed in the grass…"

View fullsize

“Festival goers take good time at the beach”

---

Images: Jean-Paul Margnac

---

Related CAPSULES