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There were two festivals at the racecourse in 1970. This was the first, less famous one. The festival has largely been forgotten and when remembered at all, has usually been confused with the National Jazz and Blues festival that was held in August the same year. As usual with British festivals, this was less counterculture revolution than hairy weekend pish-up. Reports about headliners Ginger Baker’s Airforce performance varied. Some feeling that they were on top form, others that it was a bunch of average musicians with a mad beat pounder who wouldn’t stop and had to be literally carried away.
The DJ was reportedly playing the debut Black Sabbath album all day but the band only played three numbers before quitting because of drum issues. The complete bill was a usual eclectic affair taking in heavy rock, blues, jazz, prog and folk with Ginger Baker's Air Force, Richie Havens, Julie Driscoll, Hard Meat, King Crimson, Christine Perfect, Judas Jump, Keith Tippet Group, Fairfield Parlour, May Blitz, Black Widow, Chicken Shack, Black Sabbath, Gracious, Audience, Jan Dukes De Grey, Maple Oak, Poppa Ben Hook, Roy Harper, Savoy Brown and Warm Dust.
By now, people had seen the Woodstock movie, so Ritchie Havens was a link to the definitive festival. Roy Harper is reported as chemically indisposed. Only about 3,000 people went and the ticket was 50 shillings for both days, 25 for one. There were widespread reports that it was a laid back, peaceful festival.
