T. Rex (August 28, 1971) – “Weeley Festival Advert” Feature – Disc and Music Echo
This Disc and Music Echo clipping from August 1971 promotes the upcoming Weeley Festival of Progressive Music, held near Clacton‑on‑Sea over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The advert highlights T. Rex as one of the headline acts, alongside The Faces and King Crimson, marking one of the most ambitious British rock festivals of the early 1970s.
Publication: Disc and Music Echo Date: August 28 1971 Country: United Kingdom
The page combines two distinct features: a top‑half article on John Peel, titled “Peeling his way round the world,” and a
full‑width advertisement for the Weeley Festival below.
Peel’s column discusses his travels and broadcasting experiences, while the festival advert lists an extraordinary lineup of artists performing across the weekend.
The bold typography places T. Rex, The Faces, and King Crimson at the top, followed by a roster of major progressive and rock acts including Colosseum, Curved Air, Edgar Broughton, Groundhogs, Mungo Jerry, Rory Gallagher, Van der Graaf Generator, Caravan, Lindisfarne, Status Quo, and Mott the Hoople.
Additional details note that proceeds from the event would go to charity, with travel information for road and rail routes from London. The design reflects the optimism and scale of Britain’s festival culture at the height of the glam‑rock and progressive‑rock boom.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The Weeley Festival became one of the largest UK music gatherings of 1971, drawing tens of thousands of fans to Essex. For Marc Bolan and T. Rex, it was a defining moment — their first major festival appearance since achieving chart superstardom with Hot Love and Get It On.
The advert’s placement in Disc and Music Echo underscores the festival’s national significance, bridging mainstream pop appeal and underground progressive experimentation.
It also reflects the era’s growing collaboration between glam rock and the broader British rock movement.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Weeley Festival of Progressive Music featuring T. Rex
Era: 1971 – Electric Warrior / Glam Rock Festival Era Tone: Promotional, vivid, and celebratory Photography: Black‑and‑white portrait of John Peel above the festival advertisement
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Full‑page advert for the Weeley Festival listing T. Rex as headliners
Article on John Peel’s broadcasting travels and music commentary
Festival details including dates, location, and charitable purpose
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