The Birthplace of Reading,
The Forgotten Festival Is Coming Home

In 1969 and 1970, Plumpton Racecourse played host to one of the most legendary — yet overlooked — festivals in British music history. Acts like Pink Floyd, The Who, Ginger Baker, Peter Green, and Black Sabbath lit up the Sussex skies before the festival was forced to relocate due to noise complaints… eventually evolving into what we now know as the Reading Festival.

Now, more than 50 years on, that forgotten chapter of British counterculture is set to roar back into life. Plumpton Revival – Summer of Love will take place on August 8–9, 2026, transforming the racecourse into a full-scale, immersive reimagining of those extraordinary late-60s/early-70s weekends.

“It’s more than just a tribute — this is about reclaiming a forgotten chapter of UK music history and re-igniting it for a new generation.” - Theo Crew, Creative Producer.

The Plumpton Main Stage brings that golden era roaring back to life, celebrating the legends who defined a generation and the artists keeping their spirit alive today. Think Floyd recreate the majesty of The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here in breath-taking detail. Who’s Next channel the raw power of The Who’s iconic live era. Dreams of Fleetwood Mac weave the harmonies and heartache of one of rock’s most beloved bands. Eric and the Claptones honour the blues-driven soul of Clapton, Cream, and Derek & The Dominos. Kozmic Pearl capture the wild spirit of Janis Joplin. Seventy Hundred Split — featuring Leo Lyons of Ten Years After — bridge Plumpton ’69 and Woodstock to now. Climax Blues Band bring true British blues heritage. Modern torch-bearers Aynsley Lister, The Milk Men, The James Oliver Band, Hot Property and Burning Ropes prove great guitar music never dies; it just gets louder.

But Plumpton Revival is far more than a music festival. We are curating a fully immersive and interactive 1970s experience, complete with psychedelic visuals, retro theming, period-accurate food and fashion, vintage markets, art installations, scooter, car and VW rallies, retro funfair attractions, and walkabout actors bringing the spirit of the era to life, including our immersive Festival Cinema, where grainy film reels flicker to life, the air hums with nostalgia, and you’re transported back to the festival fields that changed music forever. From the sun-drenched stages of Monterey ’67 and the pioneering vibes of Plumpton ’69, to the muddy majesty of Woodstock ’69 and the awakening spirit of Glastonbury ’71 — this is where legends were born and anthems became immortal.

Plumpton Revival – Summer of Love promises not only an authentic throwback but also a joyful celebration of a cultural milestone that helped shape the UK’s music heritage.

VIP Experience

For those who like their nostalgia with a touch of luxury, our VIP tickets bring comfort and class to the heart of the festival. Enjoy covered grandstand seating, giving you the perfect view of the Main Stage while staying shaded from the summer sun (or sheltered from the great British drizzle).

Relax in the private bar, where the drinks flow, the service is swift, and the atmosphere stays effortlessly cool. Take a break from the field with plumbed-in, flushing toilets — a small luxury that makes a big difference. Start your weekend in style with a welcome drink on arrival, setting the tone for an unforgettable few days. Skip the queues with fast-track entry, getting you straight to the music, the laughter and the memories. And that’s just the beginning — there’ll be more exclusive offers and perks announced in due course, reserved especially for our VIP guests.