40 Years of Woodstock

40 Years of Woodstock

19 August, 2009
by: Gina Louise

Festivals may have come a long way since the poorly orchestrated, badly sanitised days of the original Woodstock, but somewhere in this evolution I can't help but feel that something has been lost. Sure the toilets are cleaner and you have more choice of exotic food than the World Foods isle at Tesco, but in the words of those inspirational writers The Black Eyed Peas, where is the love?

The poignant message that got Woodstock into the history books cannot be equalled by any of the tame indie-rock festivals that populate the music scene today. Originally slated by the media for being an excuse for drug fuelled mayhem, all has been forgiven and Woodstock is now seen as a pivotal moment in the history of rock and roll, and, though a fair amount of havoc was caused, it remains remembered for the good times. On the 40th anniversary of the legendary hippie-fest, it is about time we revived the ethos behind Woodstock: peace and love.

In that vein, a myriad of fun events are happening in and around London, from exhibitions to costume parties; so whether you want to soak up the culture of the music, find out a little more about the history behind the festival, or just have a jolly good knees up, there's sure to be something to tickle your fancy. Here are a couple of our favourites.

Woodstock at The Old Queens Head

Having been heavily influenced by the laid back ethos of Woodstock, those friendly folks down at The Old Queen's Head are opening their doors and throwing a themed shindig on Thursday 20th August. Expect an onslaught of hippy fun, with all the music being cleverly tied in with Woodstock. Fancy dress is encouraged, so hunt out those long wigs and psychedelic face paint, and go for the peasant boho chic look. They're even mixing up a deadly mixture called Brown Acid cocktails to get you in that drug fuelled mood.

Woodstock Experience at The Idea Generation Gallery

For those of you a little more inclined to culture rather than using the festival as an excuse for general merrymaking, The Idle Generation Gallery is putting on a special exhibition called the Woodstock Experience. It boasts over 200 amazing images of the festival captured by Henry Diltz and Dan Garson.

Taking Woodstock

A little late for the 40th anniversary, Ang Lee's hugely anticipated film Taking Woodstock won't be in cinemas until November 13th, though trailers can be seen online already. In an attempt to broadcast the trials and tribulations of the organisers of Woodstock, the film details the woes of financially struggling Elliot Tiber. Promising to be a wild look at Woodstock, it will be worth the wait.

Check out more Things To Do In London
Check out more Festivals in London

Gina Louise