Learn about the tumultuous tales of Weeley and Bickershaw, two UK festivals that faced chaos, clashes, and extreme conditions in the early 70s, captured through the eyes of writer and musician Mick Farren.
The chaotic story of Weeley and Bickershaw Festivals
Woodstock, Altamont, and the Isle Of Wight are widely known music festivals of the late 60s and early 70s, but the UK's Weeley and Bickershaw festivals tell a different tale.
These events faced extreme weather, pitched battles between Hells Angels and security, and an overall atmosphere of chaos and disorder that set them apart from the Summer of Love.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In 2007, writer and musician Mick Farren, who attended both festivals, recounts his experiences amidst mud-covered crowds, violent clashes, and unexpected encounters at these forgotten music gatherings.
The Bickershaw Festival
The Bickershaw Festival, held in a poorly drained field near Wigan in May 1972, became a quagmire of rain-soaked revelers and mind-bending performances, including sets by Captain Beefheart and The Grateful Dead.
The festivities took an unexpected turn when clashes between security and outlaw motorcycle clubs erupted, leading to a scene of mayhem and mystique that lingered long after the last notes faded.
The Weeley Festival
A year earlier, the Weeley Festival near Clacton in August 1971 faced a different kind of turmoil, with grass fires, clashes with security, and intense heat challenging attendees and organizers alike.
Despite the stellar lineups and promises of a smooth event, both Weeley and Bickershaw proved that even the best-laid plans can unravel in the face of nature, humanity, and the unpredictable spirit of rock 'n' roll.
Published on 17 August 2025 by UKFG
