Andy Roberts - Bring What You Expect to Find: Psychedelics and Free Festivals

Psychedelic free festivals emerged in Britain between 1970 and 1986 as a countercultural response to the perceived constraints of mainstream, profit-oriented events. Festivals such as the Windsor Free Festival, Stonehenge, and Glastonbury were underpinned by a self-reliant ethos where participants took responsibility for providing their own food, shelter, and entertainment. This movement provided a space for those seeking to live out their lifestyle with like-minded individuals in a spirit of celebration. Psychedelic drugs proved foundational to this movement. LSD and other psychotropic substances were frequently consumed at these events, influencing their atmosphere, music, and philosophical leanings. The festivals operated as autonomous spaces that challenged societal norms and encouraged communal living outside mainstream control. Over time, these events faced increasing pressure from authorities, leading to changes in their nature and organization.