Shindig Festival Licence Under Review Over Bob Vylan Controversy

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Shindig Festival, set to take place at Charlton Park in Wiltshire from May 21 to 24, will undergo a last-minute licence review just three days before its scheduled opening, following concerns over disorder and public safety. The review, requested on grounds of prevention of crime and disorder, will be considered by Wiltshire Council’s Northern Area Licensing sub-committee on May 18.

The festival’s licence, originally granted by Wiltshire Council last year, is under scrutiny due to the presence of headliner Bob Vylan, whose performance at Glastonbury 2025 sparked controversy when frontman Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants of death, death to the IDF. The incident prompted condemnation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the remarks appalling hate speech, and led to a police investigation by Avon and Somerset Police. While the investigation was ultimately dropped in December 2025, the controversy has persisted, with the band facing cancellations of multiple international shows and revoked US visas.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Shindig confirmed that safety has always come first and that the organisers are working closely with our production team, the artist, and the authorities to ensure we have a robust plan in place to address these concerns. The festival, which expects to draw around 10,000 attendees, has previously described Bob Vylan as one of the most vital, fearless and electrifying live acts in the UK right now, emphasising their role as a force for conversation and change.

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Paul Sample, confirmed that the licence review application was submitted on the grounds of prevention of crime and disorder and public safety. However, he declined to comment further on the specifics of the application, stating that the matter will be considered by an independent licensing sub-committee. The review process includes a statutory consultation period, which runs until May 6.

If the licence is revoked or conditions are imposed, the festival could face significant disruptions, including potential cancellations or alterations to its schedule. Organisers have not yet commented on how such an outcome might affect the event.

This development comes after Bob Vylan’s Glastonbury performance led to widespread backlash, including the cancellation of shows in Manchester and Leeds due to political pressure from MPs and Jewish community leaders. Despite the controversy, the band has maintained that their music is intended to challenge as well as unite.

Safety has always come first at Shindig and under no circumstance would we allow that to change. We are working closely with our production team, the artist and the authorities to ensure we have a robust plan in place to address these concerns.

Shindig Festival spokesperson

Wiltshire Council’s decision will be closely watched by festival-goers, artists, and local communities as the event draws near.

— *Sources: BBC News, Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, Wiltshire Council* *Last updated: May 4, 2026*