The 1993 edition of Glastonbury was a different beast altogether – no smartphones to spoil the magic, no corporate sponsors cashing in on the good vibes. A newly remastered documentary from that unforgettable festival is now back with us, offering a nostalgic blast from the past and a glimpse into the raw, unbridled spirit that once defined this iconic event.
The film, co-directed by William Beaton, Robin Mahoney, and Matthew Salkeld, takes a chronological approach, immersing viewers in the three-day chaos alongside festival-goers. This fly-on-the-wall style delivers intimate glimpses into the camping areas and some truly unforgettable stage performances – think Stereo MCs' pulsating rendition of 'Connected', The Verve's early, lithe performance of 'Gravity Grave' before they became household names, or Porno for Pyros' high-octane set.
Shot on location in Panavision CinemaScope, the documentary's split-screen sequences capture the frenetic energy of the festival, while overheard snippets of conversation add to the authentic atmosphere. Some scenes are even described as 'transportingly beautiful', capturing both the ramshackle grandeur of the throng and the more idyllic, arcadian moments – a potent reminder that, in 1993, the original hippy spirit was still very much alive at Glastonbury.
But what's truly fascinating is how this documentary subtly hints at the festival's gradual shift towards greater commercialisation and media representation. A fleeting shot of a Converse hot-air balloon serves as an early warning sign that the event would eventually become the globally recognised, highly packaged spectacle it is today – a poignant reminder of how far Glastonbury has come.