All that changed in 1972 when on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend when sheep were turfed out of their field and replaced by more than 50,000 rock fans. The Great Western Festival had arrived. The four day event featured some of the music industry’s biggest names. Here are some pictures from that event 49 years ago.
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English singer-songwriter Alan Hull performing with folk rock group Lindisfarne. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images). Photo: Midlands
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A view from the stage showing the crowd as Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music performs. It was the band's first festival appearance and only their 7th show. (Photo by Brian Cooke/Redferns) Photo: Midlands
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Paul Thompson of Roxy Music performing. (Photo by Brian Cooke/Redferns) Photo: Midlands
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Scottish singer Maggie Bell performing with Stone The Crows. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) Photo: Midlands