Eye Opening Photos Taken At Woodstock

Admission Was Eventually Offered Free Of Charge Because There Were Simply Too Many People

Image Source / BuzzFeedIt’s okay carefully arranging 50,000 paid tickets for an organized event, but what do you do when people start swarming the gates? It’d be such a huge job to try and charge on the door, so apparently when more people arrived, organizers just gave up and offered admission free of charge.

Attendees Themselves Came Together To Feed Each Other

Image Source / BuzzFeedThe food situation was a crisis of epic proportions with so many mouths to feed, so much energy being depleted and hungry bellies growling. It was in such an emergency state that many of the attendees came together to help make sure everyone got fed and food was shared where needed.

There Were Two Recorded Deaths - And Two Births

Image Source / BuzzFeedAlthough the festival was all about peace and love, accidental deaths did still happen. This photo shows two women giving medical care during the festival, but some people weren't that lucky. One person died from a heroin overdose, while another was tragically ran over by a tractor when they were sleeping. Two people also gave birth during the festival.

Attendees Carry All Their Belongings

Image Source / Edition.cnnThere's no sign of suitcases on wheels here, it was a case of carry and roll up anything you wanna take with you - which would most definitely be a sleeping bag - but with a lot of attendees travelling on foot because of the huge traffic jams, this must have been a lot to carry.

Festival Goers Curl Up On The Ground

Image Source / Edition.cnnYou gotta catch some sleep wherever you can get it when you're at this festival, right? And definitely take any spot you can find. People were curling up next to makeshift campfires either for warmth or just to be close to fry some food for breakfast.

Create Your Own Shelter

Image Source / Edition.cnnNeeds must when you're at a busy festival with limited supplies, and you gotta get creative with what you have. This picture shows the lengths festival-goers were going to to make sure they had cover, warmth and protection if it rained. Or maybe he just wanted some privacy.

People Were Literally Hitting The Hay

Image Source / Edition.cnnAs mentioned, you gotta take sleep wherever you can get it - and that sometimes means curling up in the hay in the field with just a blanket to keep you warm. To be fair, this looks pretty comfortable so it's a surprise there isn't a pile of people next to him trying the same thing.

Visit The Gift Shop

Image Source / EsquireJust like any good festival, there were actually souvenirs you could buy at Woodstock, too. Here you can see a paraphernalia stand set up selling items you might need at the festival - and as you can see by the sign, this would most likely be equipment for smoking.

Festival-Goers Had To Deal With The Elements

Image Source / EsquireMost Woodstock photos show what looks to be sweltering heat and bodies packed together, so it may be surprising to see a festival downpour. The attendees don't seem phased, though, and it must've actually been refreshing to have the cooling rain bless the festivities.

Animals Attended The Festival, Too

Image Source / EsquireYou may love the idea of taking your pet to a festival - can you imagine taking your best friend with you to enjoy the music? Well you might be thinking a dog or cat, but this woman took her pet monkey, of all things, to enjoy the show.

Large Groups Would Flock The Bus Stops

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comYou've gotta get there somehow, right? And if you can't drive, and if it's too far to walk, then the bus was another option. But we're not talking a small bus queue - we're talking massive groups of people waiting to be taken to the festival grounds. Definitely not enough seats for everyone!

Journalists Actually Set Up Their Desks Amid The Celebrations

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comJournalists have to work, too, and if you're reporting on the festival, then you need a good place to work, right? And they somehow managed to work amidst the music and chaos of the festival, here seen in suits, with typewriters and hogging the phones to get the job done. That's commitment.

Did You Know Children Went Too?

Image Source / Edition.cnnIt might not be too surprising when you know people at the festival were actually giving birth, but it looks like toddlers were in attendance, too. It makes sense when eventually they just let anyone come through the fence, and if you can't get a babysitter, what else can you do?

The Fences Were Very Different Back Then

Image Source / bbc.co.ukWhen you think of security by today's standards, and especially at festivals with such secure fences and substantial security checking procedures, the fences at Woodstock must look as light as a feather. Here you can see just how easy it was to cut through them and get in.

A Festival-Goer Looks Exhausted

Image Source / bbc.co.ukThere must have been so many people collapsing of exhaustion or dehydration at this festival, and coming away from it must have left people not even being able to walk straight. Here you can see one such festival goer looking pretty knackered being supported by her friend (or maybe even a kindly stranger!).

Some Of The Musicians Even Played Their Sets Whilst High

Image Source / bbc.co.ukIt wasn't just the attendees dibbing into the drug bowl; here's Carlos Santana who got high before going on to play his night time set. The band had to play then or not at all so they apparently did the entire performance under the influence of drugs.Image Source / bbc.co.ukYou'd think for this type of festival that every single face in the crowd would be ecstatic to be there, but this picture shows - despite the jovial dancing couple - that a lot of them were serious, frowning or looking confused. Maybe they were waiting for their favourite band to come on.

Festival Attendees Shared Their Space With Cows, Too

Image Source / bbc.co.ukYou might not have expected to see Woodstock attendees in photos with cows during the celebration, but when you house a festival on huge open fields, you can expect to be sharing it with an animal or two. Especially with the fences taken down, maybe more wild animals wandered in.

Dairy Cows Shared The Space With Music Lovers - And Were Traumatised By It

Image Source / bbc.co.ukThe festival was set up on areas of dairy farms, which means there was dairy cows out and about on the same land. But instead of setting up a sweet pastoral vibe, the cows were actually troubled by the music and people and apparently were too traumatised to give milk for a month.

The Military Sent Helicopters Even Though There Was A War On

Image Source / bbc.co.ukThe Vietnam war was still going on during the time of the festival, but even so, the Military home guard sent medevac helicopters to help the festival with anyone who needed assistance with sickness and injury.

The Festival Was Attended By A Variety Of People - Including Some Random Appearances

Image Source / bbc.co.ukThis photo shows that there were some random people turning up at the festival and passing through - like this man dressed in a suit and carrying a suitcase, apparently walking along and interestingly close along the port-o loos instead of on the main path.

Why Not Do Your Laundry While At The Festival Too?

Image Source / EsquireWhen you're sleeping on the ground, spending back to back hours listening to music, eating, drinking, dancing and sweating, there's no doubt your clothes are going to need a little refresh. But with so much fencing around and not serving its original purpose, why not use as a laundry hanger?

This Photos Shows Just How Packed The Crowd Was

Image Source / EsquireYou could be excused for thinking this is a piece of gravel under a microscope, but this is how tightly packed the crowd was from an aerial view. Imagine being right in the middle of that and realising you need to quickly get to the Port-o Loo.

Scaffolding View

 Image Source / EsquireMaybe just to escape from the crowds (and understandable when you see the aerial shots), to get a better view of the stage or all of the above - festival goers were using this scaffolding to their advantage and clearly weren't afraid of heights.

Getting There Was Mayhem

Image Source / BuzzFeedYou may not have even thought about the chaos of all those people and vehicles travelling to the very small New York town for the festival, but this photos shows just how difficult it would have been to get there, with thousands flocking at once and vehicles in a jam. Many people even abandoned vehicles to walk the rest of the way.

The Crowds Meant Emergency Vehicles Couldn’t Even Get Through

Image Source / BuzzFeedIt’s all fun and games at a festival until someone gets hurts. This photo shows a young man who was thrown from the trunk of a car during the traffic leading to Woodstock. Suffering head injuries, ambulances weren’t able to reach him through the crowd of people and traffic.

The Fields Were At Maximum Capacity

Image Source / EsquireAt least there seemed to be a little bit of breathing space on the edges of this photo but with people continually turning up and moving through the fences during the course of the entire festival, bodies were packed together.

The Unexpected Amount Of People Who Turned Up Forced A State Of Emergency

Image Source / BuzzFeedThe organizers of the Woodstock festival told authorities that 50,000 people were expected to turn up – but this was a huge mistake. A lot more than 50,000 people swarmed the festival, with huge crowds dangerously overwhelming the small community. The National Guard was actually nearly sent, while the County declared a state of emergency.

But It’s Still Regarded As Being A Peaceful Event

Image Source / BuzzFeedWhen you think of Woodstock, you’d naturally think of hippie-love and a peaceful festival, and despite the previous points of states of emergency, chaotic traffic and head injuries, it’s still considered an extremely peaceful event by today’s standards! People came together in joint celebration of great music and shared harmony.

Legendary Names Of Music Like Jimi Hendrix Played

Image Source / BuzzFeedLovers of classic rock and legendary guitarists may find it difficult to imagine being right in front of Jimi Hendrix as he played live. Jimi Hendrix played on day three of the Woodstock festival, alongside many other legendary music performers, and to experience that live must have been out of this world.

An Aerial View Of Woodstock Puts The Festival Into Perspective

Image Source / BuzzFeedOnce the original expectancy was drastically bypassed, the festival then saw around 400,000 concert-goers. The organizers knew they simply couldn’t control the flood of people, nor had the resources to try and charge admission one by one, so the fences surrounding the festival area were cut to allow all additional people to come and go as they pleased.

Good Vibes And Iconic Hippie-Wear

Image Source / BuzzFeedFans of Coachella – and any festival, really – will know that some of the outfits of festival-goers are out of this world, and glitter is a must. For Woodstock, the outfits were iconic for the time, in casual hippie-wear, flares, crop tops, a lot of bare skin and – most of the time – no clothes at all.

Wooden Constructions Were Included On-Site

Image Source / BuzzFeedFestivals these days will have an array of constructions all around to look at, climb or take photos with. For Coachella, this could be incredible art installations, climbing flames or LED light shows. For Woodstock, it was a wooden construction that you could climb, sit on or – in the case of this guy – take a flying leap off.

Would It Really Be Woodstock Without A VW Van?

Image Source / BuzzFeedIt wasn’t just crowds of people flocking to the festival – you could also expect a vehicle or two, with motorcycles and camper vans included. This photo shows how amazing the artwork painted onto a VW actually was, the level of detail and the stunning range of vehicles you could expect to see people sat on top of.

The Farmer Who Owned The Land Supported The Festival In The Hope Of A Brighter Future

Image Source / BuzzFeedMax and Miriam Yasgur were the people who owned the land that hosted the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Max, the farmer who provided the iconic space, spoke openly after the event regarding the ‘peaceful’ vibe of the concert, saying that they can hopefully turn adversities and problems of America into hope for a ‘brighter and more peaceful future’.

The Festival Was Host To Incredible Talent And Legendary Names

Image Source / BuzzFeedThe festival not only provided a stage for Jimi Hendrix, but also Santana, The Grateful Dead, The Who and Jefferson Airplane, amongst other iconic names in rock and music. Joe Cocker performed at Woodstock to the crowd of thousands. One of these would be incredible enough, but to see all of them at the same festival? Bliss.

The Organizers Of The Festival Ran Out Of Food On The Very First Day

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comBecause of the unexpected amount of people that showed up for the festival, the food ran out on the very first day. The situation was so tense because of the low supply of food that two of the concession stands were actually burned down on the Saturday night because of their prices.

Organizers Desperately Contacted A Food Service

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comThe organizers were so short on time, as well as short on cash, that they were forced into a state of desperation when it came to trying to provide food for the festival goers. They ended up contracting a relatively new food group service with little experience, just to make sure everyone got fed.

People Got A Better View From Climbing Frames

Image Source / BuzzFeedWith so many people flocking to watch the performers, you wouldn’t be blamed for trying to get a better view. Climbing frames were normality, where people could climb up, hang, chill, listen to music, chat, jump off (from a bar close to the ground, of course)… Anything really. And if it got too hot, hopefully there’s a nice breeze up there, too.

Rock Legend Janis Joplin Performs On The Second Day

Image Source / BuzzFeedAmerican singer Janis Joplin was one of the many legendary performers who attended Woodstock. She was one of the most well-known and successful female rock singers of the time, so to witness her perform in person at this festival would have been kind of a big deal. She's remembered for her powerful vocals and amazing stage presence.

Amongst The Amazing Performers Were The Who And Creedence Clearwater Revival

Image Source / BuzzFeedAfter Janis Joplin's performance, famous rock band The Who took to the stage, as well as other bands like Sly and the Family Stone, Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Grateful Dead. The energy on stage - as well as the iconic outfits of the era - must have been electric.

Nudity And Skinny Dipping Was Normality

Image Source / BuzzFeedWe already know Woodstock was a free-spirited festival in a more relaxed era, so all the 'peace and love' definitely meant nudity was a thing you could expect to see. There was a nearby pond that quickly came the chosen spot for skinny dipping for festival-goers looking to cool off.

Recreational Drug Use Was Also Expected

Image Source / BuzzFeedRecreational drugs are of course going to be passed around a festival or two, and especially Woodstock. Casual drugs, nudity and free love all go hand-in-hand, and this photo just shows that with a woman deciding to flash the entire crowd - and they don't seem too phased by it, either. All in a day's work.

Signs Encouraged Marijuana Use

Image Source / BuzzFeedHere you can see some of the festival goers seeking a moment of respite from the close-knit crowd in a grass hut - which actually has a sign proclaiming 'Have a marijuana'. So no doubt this was the weed checkpoint for people to take it all in and take a moment to enjoy some grass - in a hut made from grass.

Medical Supplies Were Delivered By Helicopter

Image Source / BuzzFeedYou have to wonder how medical supplies came in during an emergency, especially when an ambulance wouldn't even get a look in through that crowd. But apparently medical supplies were delivered by helicopter - and here you can see some workers at the festival carrying the supplies.

Leaving The Festival Was Just As Chaotic As Trying To Get In

Image Source / BuzzFeedWhile at the very least attending the festival meant maybe people turned up in droves and extra people came later, leaving the festival meant every single person at once - when it was already over maximum capacity. After the three-day festival, the highways leading from Bethel, New York, were absolutely jammed.

And The Clean Up Was A Massive Job

Image Source / BuzzFeedAs you can imagine, the mess was something to behold, but the clean up also applies to the roads and paths leading to and from the festival, too - with so many people at once travelling through. Here you can see a woman sweeping up the debris from the street - infront of her own home - as festival-goers leave.

Festivalgoers Caused So Many Traffic Jams - 20 Miles Long!

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comYou'd expect a few traffic jams for such a huge event, but the ones caused by the Woodstock attendees would reportedly measure as far as 20 miles long - so you'd be pretty annoyed if you weren't even going to the festival and got stuck just trying to go to work. And you know it's bad when you have time to get out and play your guitar.

The Opening Ceremony Invocation Was Provided By An Indian Guru

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comDid you even know there was an opening ceremony at Woodstock? And such a religious one at that. Satchidananda Saraswati, an Indian religious teacher and guru, was the man responsible for delivering the opening ceremony invocation at Woodstock to this crowd of thousands.

Organizers Had To Warn People Over Megaphone Not To Take The Brown Acid

Image Source / Allthatsinteresting.comWith so many drugs being passed around Woodstock, it would definitely be difficult to try and control it. Acid was one drug that was being consumed, but 'brown acid' in particular was apparently very dangerous, which forced organizers to remind the festival-goers of that fact.