Ubi Dwyer

Ubi Dwyer (1933 – 1995) was a British free festival organiser and political activist, most prominently associated with the Windsor Free Festival during the 1970s. He was a key figure in the British counterculture movement and a staunch advocate for free access to land and alternative lifestyles.

Dwyer's early life and career were relatively conventional; he worked as a builder. However, he became increasingly involved in activism in the late 1960s, focusing on issues such as housing rights and squatting. This led him to the nascent free festival scene.

Dwyer is best known for his involvement with the Windsor Free Festival. He organised the festival on several occasions, often in direct opposition to the authorities. These festivals were deliberately unlicensed and intended to be free and open to all, attracting thousands of attendees. They were characterized by a relaxed atmosphere, communal living, and a strong emphasis on alternative music and arts.

His activities frequently brought him into conflict with the police and local authorities, who attempted to shut down the festivals. Dwyer was arrested on multiple occasions for offences such as obstruction and public order violations. These arrests and the subsequent media coverage helped to publicize the free festival movement and Dwyer's cause.

Despite the challenges, Dwyer remained committed to the ideals of free access to land and alternative lifestyles. He continued to be involved in various activist projects throughout his life, often working with marginalized communities. He is remembered as a significant figure in the British counterculture movement and a symbol of resistance against authority. He died in 1995, leaving behind a legacy of activism and a lasting impact on the free festival scene.