GLASTONBURY 2003
2003
This archive features my Glastonbury reportage photography from 2003, documenting the festival at Worthy Farm on black and white and slide film. Glastonbury 2003 was officially declared a record-breaking success, with tickets selling out in under 24 hours to become the fastest-selling in the festival's history. It was widely acclaimed as 'the best yet' due to the combination of perfect weather, a chilled atmosphere, and a crime-free site
In stark contrast to the infamous brown mud of other years, the dominant visuals were the blue of the sky and the bright green/yellow of the dry, dusty fields, often complemented by the vibrant colours of summer clothing and festival decorations.
The main reason we went to Glasto 03 was to enjoy the whole event—the music, the vibes, the perfect, sunny weather, and acts like R.E.M., Radiohead, and Fatboy Slim. The photos were just a fun side project; I took my film camera (brought my first digital Nikon D100 just a few weeks later to take to Ibiza) I used black and white and colour film to snap the atmosphere and colours as we wandered around.
The inclusion of Robert Indiana's iconic LOVE sculpture at the Glastonbury Festival in 2003 brought a globally recognized piece of Pop Art to Worthy Farm. Featuring the bold, four-letter design with a distinctive slanted 'O', the sculpture connected the festival's bohemian spirit with the powerful, graphic language of a work originally created in 1966.
At Glastonbury 2003, the Green Fields offered a peaceful haven for the festival's traditional hippy and well-being activities. Away from the main stages, the entire site was buzzing with colourful, spontaneous dancing and street performers who put on constant, quirky theatre and circus shows.
