Experience the rush of the 70s with two new open air shows

Experience the rush of the 70s with two new open air shows

Posted on: 21 Jul 2023

The world's largest free festival is coming to Bristol, and it's bringing with it a spectacle like no other.

Picture this: over 500,000 people all gathered on a dairy farm in northern New York State, witnessing historic moments that shaped the course of our world.

From watching the shooting of Bobby Kennedy to being part of an anti-Vietnam war riot in Chicago, and even meeting the captain of a Russian nuclear submarine submerged off the coast of Cuba – it's all possible at this extraordinary event. You can step into the shoes of a chopper pilot ferrying the world's most famous musicians to Woodstock, or imagine yourself as a musician about to grace the iconic stage.

But hold on, it doesn't end there. This one-of-a-kind festival also presents a second show that delves into the decade of the 70s – a time that eerily echoes our own. With soaring oil costs, tense global situations, environmental concerns, and nuclear threats, it's a period that resonates deeply with our current world. This show offers a unique lens to view our reality, with moments that are both hilarious and chilling.

That’s all thanks to Something Underground, the multi-award-winning theatre company, bringing their open-air stage shows, "The Spirit of Woodstock" and "Children of the Revolution," to St Werbergh's City Farm this July. You'll experience it all – the music, the protests, the moon landings, the civil rights movement, the adverts, the musicians, and the personalities.

In "The Spirit of Woodstock," Jonathan Brown masterfully portrays 65 characters from the 60s in quick succession. Then, in the 70s sequel, "Children of the Revolution," he does it all again, capturing the essence of the new decade with its unique soundscapes.

So, pack your picnic, bring your anticipation for warm mid-summer breezes, and get ready to relive a golden era. The festival promises to transport you back in time, letting you witness history while staying grounded in the present. Don't miss this unparalleled opportunity to experience the past in the heart of Bristol – it's going to be an unforgettable journey!

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Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.