Festivals are more than just a few days of music, dancing, and socializing. They're packed with history, fun facts, and unique stories.

As we dive into the world of festivals, let's explore 10 surprising festival facts that we bet you didn't know!

1. The First Glastonbury Festival

We all know Glastonbury, but did you know that the first-ever festival took place in 1970? The tickets cost just £1 – and that even included free milk from the farm! Held the day after Jimi Hendrix passed away, only 1,500 people attended. It was initially called the Pilton Festival and featured acts like Marc Bolan and Keith Christmas. Now, it's one of the biggest music festivals in the world, with around 175,000 attendees each year!

2. Ancient Festivals

Festivals date back over 3,000 years, originating in ancient Greece. Music festivals were once an integral part of spiritual ceremonies, where they involved not only music but also poetry, drama, and athletic competitions. Participants often made sacrifices to worship the gods.

3. Freerotation: The Most Exclusive Festival

Want to attend an exclusive festival? You have to be invited to Freerotation in Wales! Only existing members can extend an invitation to new people once a year, and only a lucky few get tickets via a lottery system. The festival is so exclusive that it's limited to members who have attended at least four previous festivals. Think you've got what it takes to get in? Good luck!

4. Woodstock – A Legendary Festival

Woodstock, the 1969 music festival, is widely regarded as the first modern music festival. Originally scheduled for three days, it ran for four and attracted over 400,000 people! Jimi Hendrix, one of the headliners, was paid $18,000 (the most of any performer). Despite the chaos and lack of organization, Woodstock became an iconic moment in music history.

5. A Festival Underwater

How about a festival beneath the sea? The Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival in Florida offers divers a chance to enjoy live music streamed underwater while promoting coral preservation. Music is played through underwater speakers, and special instruments are created just for the event. It's truly a one-of-a-kind festival!

6. The World's Largest Festival: Summerfest

Summerfest, held annually in Milwaukee, USA, is the largest music festival in the world. With over 800 acts and 1,000 performances, it draws between 800,000 and 1 million attendees each year. It's a massive festival that spans 11 days, and it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!

7. Festival in the Desert

For those looking to escape it all, the Festival in the Desert in Mali might be the ultimate experience. Deep in the Sahara Desert, this festival is incredibly remote. Attendees can only get there by traveling for half a day by car or three days by camel. Unfortunately, the festival is currently suspended due to unrest in the region.

8. The Oldest Classical Festival: The Three Choirs Festival

The Three Choirs Festival, the world's oldest classical choral festival, has been held every year since 1719. It rotates between Hereford, Gloucester, and Worcester, and celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2015. The festival showcases the best of British classical choral music and international works.

9. SnowGlobe Festival: The Coldest Festival

Do you enjoy skiing and live music? Then the SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe, USA, might be your perfect match. Held just before New Year's Eve, this festival features incredible music in a snow-covered setting. If you love both winter sports and live performances, this festival is truly unique.

10. A Wild Performance at Download Festival

At the 2006 Download Festival in the UK, Guns' N' Roses made headlines for arriving over an hour late to the stage. Despite frontman Axl Rose having a private helicopter, fans weren't pleased, throwing bottles at the band. To make matters worse, Axl slipped on a wet surface. What a crazy festival moment!