Fifty years after the iconic event, the “Woodstock Music & Art Fair” is coming back. The event is being planned by the original organiser, Michael Lang and will see a mixture of current rap and pop stars, as well as legacy bands from the original event.

The announcement was made on Wednesday and organisers are promising “three days of peace and music” to be held at Watkins Glen, close to the Finger Lakes in upstate New York. The official line-up will reportedly be announced next month, as tickets go on sale for “Woodstock 50.” So far no prices have been announced.

‘Woodstock 50’

“Woodstock 50” will be held on the 16th, 17th and 18th August this year in Watkins Glen. Organisers are encouraging younger people to attend the music festival and a limited amount of discounted passes will be made available to students between the ages of 18 to 25.

The New York Times quotes Michael Lang, the original Woodstock organiser, as saying among the musicians there might possibly be a few “news-making combinations.” Otherwise, it will be a mixture of some of the original musicians along with current-day rap and pop stars.

Lang told Rolling Stone they had already booked over 40 musical acts for the festival. He said there will also be a variety of up-and-coming musical talent at the colourful event.

There will also be tribute sessions honouring such greats as Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Joe Cocker and The Band.

Among the original musical stars likely to attend, Carlos Santana has recently said he will be in for "Woodstock 50."

Three festival neighbourhoods at ‘Woodstock 50’

At the revival festival, there are to be three main stages, as well as three festival neighbourhoods. Each will feature a variety of programming, including music, spoken word, comedy, food and film.

Organisers are hoping the event will call up the spirit of the 1969 "Woodstock" festival and will unite people in a musical experience with some great artists. They also hope the event will spark inclusion, equality and a sustainable future.

A 1999 “Woodstock” event, also organised by Lang, was plagued with many problems including rioting, fires and lawsuits. Lang and his fellow organisers are hoping that with additional services and amenities, such as “glamping” tents, they will avoid the problems of the previous festival. Lang is also planning to sell around 100,000 three-day Woodstock passes with the expectation that attendees will camp at the event.
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