Rising from the ashes – Shindig - an independent festival returns!
Rising from the ashes – Shindig - an independent festival returns!
It’s a rare good news story in the world of independent festivals.
A festival that had announced 2024 would be its last – due to the challenging economic climate is COMING BACK. We go behind the scenes to hear more about the phoenix rising from the ashes…
We’re talking about Shindig Festival, held May 22nd – 25th at Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire.
Dubbed a “pint-sized Glastonbury” and recommended by Emily Eavis herself as a good alternative to those who didn’t get tickets, Shindig returns for its 11th year.
Fiercely independent and outstandingly creative, there’s a magic about Shindig that is hard to articulate but easy to spot - as SEE tickets did.
“We wanted to support Shindig as a truly independent festival in the South West,” says a SEE Tickets Spokesperson.
“We love what they’ve created and built over 10 years - a festival for families that love to party. It’s a true boutique festival, stylish, intimate yet with plenty to do.
“Since Covid, people buy their tickets later and later which means it’s extremely stressful for festivals to pay for acts and infrastructure months ahead of the show. For an independent festival that can be very difficult from a cash flow perspective.
“This was something we could help with. And supporting a thriving festival scene is important on lots of levels.”
It’s a three-year deal in which the festival still retains its independence.
Who is at the helm of Shindig?
Based around Bristol and Bath, the eclectic team of directors is made up of a DJ and record label owner, circus aerialist performer, motorcycle-stunt-riding Showman, a festival stalwart and interior designer - all of whom bring a breadth of creativity, art installations and vibe not found anywhere else.
The festival has created a loyal following and has one of the friendliest crowds in the UK. Shindig is perfect for families who like to party. Whether you’re dancing with strangers in a tent or relaxing under the trees, the positive vibes are infectious.
Where is it happening?
It’s being held at Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire. Many will recognise the name - former home to the much-loved Womad festival for years.
It’s the same site but not the same area. Being much smaller, Shindig (capacity 10k rather than 40k) will be in and around the arboretum.
“We’re always drawn to the most attractive areas and continually looking for immersive playgrounds! Plus there’s something particularly magical about partying in the trees!” Says Simon Clarke – Festival Co-Director.
And what’s on?
DJs and selectors remain at the heart of the festival. These include Gilles Peterson, Gardna x APH, Dub FX, Mr Scruff, Gentlemen’s Dub Club, Artwork, Dan Shake, Luke Una and so many more.
Stu Matson has joined the team to programme the music. He has a long history of booking global artists for festivals like Glastonbury, Farmfest, and Bath Carnival. So it’s a fresh approach to this year’s lineup—diversifying the acts and incorporating more eclectic, dance-oriented genres.
Stu Matson says:
“We’ve got a heightened focus on high-energy live performances this year, making it the perfect time to showcase Afrobeat, Highlife, and jazz-funk to our Shindig faithful. We feel we’ve struck the perfect balance - genre-defining acts like Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 and Alogte Oho & His Sounds of Joy sit alongside some of the most exciting emerging and lesser-known talents, including TC & The Groove Family, Raz & Alfa, and Agbeko.
As the nights unfold we have Moonchild Sanelly, Toya Delazy, GROVE, and Angry Blackmen. It’s a slightly new direction for us, but given Shindig’s love for hip-hop, breaks, and rap, we expect these high-intensity performances to be a huge hit.”
Not only that, festival goers can expect new stages. Halcyon (the biggest) will be home to several fresh takeovers, including:
- Born On Road (Drum & Bass)
- Altern8 30-Year Anniversary (Old School)
- Finger Lickin’ (Breaks)
And it’s not all about the music.
Part of what makes Shindig special is that it’s the ideal boutique festival for party people with families. The Kid’s area is the family-friendly area for babies, children and parents to hang out and play. Think circus skills, climbing walls, space hoppers and sandpits. Older kids can get involved in the hugely popular Graffiti Wall and attend DJ, MCing and breakdance workshops.
The Craft Area will offer workshops on everything from felt making to spoon whittling, woodworking and jewellery making for all the family.
The healing field offers yoga, saunas and massages. Award-winning food is on offer from the hand-picked traders. Boutique camping offers luxury, a private bar as well as a pamper parlour.
Festivalgoers can listen to some of the most influential UK activists such as Mark Angelo Harrison (Spiral Tribe co Founder) and Pete Phoenix along with festival visionaries such as Luke Mitchell founder of Wake the Tiger and Boomtown festival.
There is a lot to look at too! Expect mind-bending sculptures from the most trailblazing creatives of today. Mutoid Waste Company and artists from Rockaway Park will be bringing giant welded artwork, interactive diversions and fire-breathing sculptures. The Shindig spectacle is dialling up to ten.
The eagerly-awaited dress up theme is “Love is the answer.” It’s time to wear your heart on your sleeve. Saturday is the day to strut your stuff and get involved with the parade to celebrate unity, joy, and the best vibes.
In the somewhat bleak landscape of independent festival, this one is bursting with good vibes.
Tickets are available on the website from £205.