The Archive
|
Last updated Jan 2012
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
" I personally have god's authority for the festival, although I realise that people will laugh "
Bill "Ubique" Dwyer 1972
The Brotherhood commune.
The first Windsor Free Festival public meeting in Holland Park May 3rd 1972 :from the Kensington Post 10th May 1972. Kris Grey front row , second left wearing hat, Bill wearing his usual poncho on right. |
![]() |
|
Clippings courtesy Kris Gray |
Ubi Dwyer and "The Reverend" Pawlowski
This was the first attempt to hold an event at Windsor Great Park and as such, it has to be admitted that, if viewed in conventional terms , it was largely a flop. "Preparations for the festival are now well underway." said Bill Dwyer, "Support is substantial. We are profoundly peaceful and the prospect of well over a million of us should cause no alarm. Hippies are exceptionally well mannered and civilised." " A Windsor police spokesman said " I have seen their leaflets and I think it is absolutely ridiculous. I would think they are as mad as hatters and I have no doubt it will completely fizzle out . But the trouble is that if a lot of these hairy specimens hear it is going on they will probably turn up anyway . " After reading this enlightened and objective statement , it was a wonder that every self respecting freak didn't go to Windsor just to cock a snoot at the representatives of lore and ordure. But most of us didn't read the Evening Mail , so this explains the lack of numbers. It needed to gather momentum by word of mouth and poster, which was what happened over the next two years. A crown commissioners spokesman said," there is nothing to prevent people coming to the park provided they behave themselves and do not cause trouble."
Despite Bill's wild overestimate, only 700 turned up . They were almost outnumbered by the police, who (perhaps worried by the prospect of a million hairy freaks invading the park ) proceeded to assign 600 officers to oversee the festival. Despite a ban issued by the Crown Commissioners, Dwyer was undeterred, stating that " I personally have god's authority for the festival, although I realise that people will laugh " |
![]() |
Entire archive of IT is online here |
NB: Several weeks after the festival, both Bill and " The Reverend" Pawlowski were hauled before the beak on charges of cultivating cannabis plants at their squat. Paul was found guilty, Ubi was released. ( source rockmine , follow the link to read the full report. )
1972 Festival menu.
|
Recollections |
Press |
If you can contribute any memories, documents , photos or details of bands and recordings from Windsor, please
Free Festival links.