Woodstock Revived for 50th Anniversary

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By Victoria Balduzzi and Bella Ishak

The Woodstock music festival is back with a 50th-anniversary show.

Woodstock was a groundbreaking music festival that promoted peace and brought people together through happiness. With over 400,000 people in attendance at the original 1969  festival, hopes are high for the revamp.

Now, 50 years later, it will return 115 miles away from the original site, Bethel, New York.

More than 80 artists are expected to play, including Miley Cyrus, Akon, The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Halsey, Portugal the Man, and many more.

“Although Woodstock took place 50 years ago, today’s world and 1969 are somewhat parallel,” co-founder Micheal Lang says.

The festival wants to heal the planet and the people on it, and it is more than just a music festival—it’s about bringing people together.

“I asked my grandparents about Woodstock and they said it was great. So I’m hoping to try and go this year. From what I have read they really care about making a difference and bringing people together,” said senior Morgan Ritesma.

Lang explains that “It’s kind of spooky how similar things are. How some of the things that we thought we’d gone past in the last 50 years — the racial divides, care for the environment and women’s rights — now we have Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement and climate deniers and another (expletive) in the White House.”

Halsey tweeted early Thursday morning, “The Woodstock lineup seems to be a bit divisive. But I am very honored to be included in a lineup of artists who all appear to be constantly influencing culture or representing social activism. Using their voices. That’s Woodstock to me I’m honored and I can’t wait!”  

Some of the original performers were also at the press conference to announce the comeback. Common and John Fogerty will play at this year’s Woodstock Festival.

The original site is now an attraction of the Bethel Woods Center for Arts, where they host their own anniversary event every August 16th-18th.

The festival will take place this year in Watkins Glen, New York on August 16th, 17th, and 18th.

Ticket sales are expected to come out on April 22nd. Prices have not been revealed.