The first show was super-cheap
The price of tickets for Glastonbury 2023 stunned many festival-goers, costing a hefty £340. Emily Eavis, Glastonbury’s co-organizer, addressed concerns on Twitter, explaining the necessity of the price hike due to soaring operational costs. The festival has indeed evolved remarkably since its inception in 1970 when it was known as the “Pilton Pop, Folk, and Blues Festival” and a ticket cost just £1.
Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $25 today, a stark contrast to current prices. This price evolution reflects not only the festival’s growing popularity but also the changing economics of hosting such large-scale events, which now include vastly more elaborate staging, security, and amenities compared to its humble beginnings.