Faces (September 11, 1971) – “Weeley Showed Festivals Aren’t Finished Yet”  – Record Mirror

Sep 11, 1971

1 min read

This Record Mirror & Disc issue from September 6 1975 spotlights an exclusive CBS competition offering readers the chance to meet David Essex in New York.

The front cover features Essex smiling in a maroon shirt beneath the headline banner, while the inside page expands on the contest details and his rising international fame.

Publication: Record Mirror Date: September 11 1971 Country: United Kingdom

The article opens with reflections on Britain’s youth culture and its connection to pop festivals, noting that nearly every young person with an interest in music has attended one.

It positions Weeley as a continuation of the Woodstock legacy, rejecting claims that festivals were fading. McAllister describes the scene vividly — from the communal atmosphere to the mix of performers and fans.

The piece highlights the Faces, whose set is captioned “Musical Lunacy”, and includes a second photo showing a Hare Krishna group leading chants for the crowd.

The text discusses the festival’s organization, audience behaviour, and the cultural significance of such gatherings in early‑1970s Britain.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The Weeley Festival, held near Clacton‑on‑Sea in 1971, became one of the most memorable British rock events of the era.

Featuring acts like the Faces, T. Rex, and King Crimson, it symbolized the transition from the late‑1960s counterculture to the emerging glam‑rock period.

Record Mirror’s coverage reflects the optimism and chaos that defined the festival movement.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Weeley Festival 1971

Era: 1971 – Post‑Woodstock British Festival Scene Tone: Energetic and reflective Photography: Black‑and‑white images of the Faces

 performing and Hare Krishna chanting 

crowd

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

The Faces on stage in full 
performance energy
Hare Krishna group leading chants 
among festivalgoers
Commentary on Weeley’s role in 
keeping British rock festivals alive

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.