Shindig Festival announces Bob Vylan as headliner for 2026
They join rising star Fat Dog, funk and disco legends WAR and Jurassic 5’s Chali 2NA. The independent event returns to the arboretum of Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire.
Now in its twelfth year, Shindig Festival has always stood for creativity, inclusivity, and the freedom of artistic expression. This year is no different. Bob Vylan is a band known for confronting social and political issues through music.
Shindig is one of only two UK summer festivals at which they will perform.
Other newly announced acts include: A DJ set from Ishmael Ensemble. This eclectic, genre-spanning set will blend jazz with dub-infused electronic beats. Full power and bursting with energy, the K.O.G Soundsystem will light up the night.
Amy True is a MOBO ‘One to Watch’ artist known for fusing soul, hip hop and activism. Not only that, Beatles Dub Club (live), Rhoda Dakar, (tour DJ for the Sex Pistols) and She’s got Brass – London’ s only all-female ten piece brass, plus JFB – 3 x DMC World Champion.
These join artists such as Mungo’s HiFi, MY BABY, Coleen Cosmo Murphy, Joshua Idehen, Aroop Roy who were announced back in December.
Simon Clarke Festival Co Director says:
“We’re excited to welcome Bob Vylan. Our programming has consistently reflected a diverse spectrum of voices, genres, and perspectives. While we recognise that their work can be provocative, we believe that challenging art has an important place in culture and conversation.
As we’re an independent festival, we can book artists without pressure from corporates or compromise artistic integrity. Our focus remains on ensuring the festival is a space for connection, joy and respect.”
Recommended by Emily Eavis, Glastonbury organiser, the festival has been dubbed “a pint-sized version of Glastonbury” and has one of the friendliest festival crowds in the UK. Not only that, it’s also the only music and arts festival held in an arboretum with a 4 am licence.
More than Music
Festivals are opportunities to fuel up on fun, connection and inspiration. Led by Donkeys – a team of disruptors who hold powerful people accountable – will be talking about their art and activism. Not to be missed.
From talks, poetry, award-winning street food, there’s plenty of opportunity to chill out with mates, sip something cold and people watch. Look out for the cycling piano with Rimski and Handkerchief playing her double bass on wheels.
Attention-stealing art installations
Imagine walking round a giant outdoor art gallery stuffed with sculptures that look like they’ve fallen from Mars. The majority are made from recycled and upcycled military hardware. From fighting and war zones these materials have been repurposed to bring joy, creativity and unity.
More than ever before, there will be mind-bending pieces at every turn - from the most visionary and trailblazing creatives of today -including WREKON, James Kearney and the Mutoid Waste Company.
Family-friendly
Part of what makes Shindig special is that it’s the ideal long weekend for party people with children.
Nothing is too far away, so kids can run free and parents can relax. Voted ‘Best For Family Rave’ by Festival Kidz, this year sees the return of Graffiators, the much-loved Super Pirates, World Jungle, Colour Town, not forgetting the hugely popular fun fair. Jamba de Samba will lead the procession on Saturday.
Showcasing local talent
The Hobo Stage of comedy and music is the place to congregate for talks, cabaret and open mic sessions. Rather like a Bath busking stage - it’s a place to showcase and nurture home-grown talent such as Dr Meaker, Laid Blak, Beatles Dub Club, No Go Stop, Mad Apple Circus Dub Catalyst and Bin Bag Wisdom. Local dance acts include Kelvin 373 and his daughter Kaisha - the brains behind Born On Road, Swankout, Queen Bee and Flamenco Thief.
Makers and Craft Area
Explore some traditional skills and get creative. From making plant hangers, knives, puppets, pottery and poms poms, to jewellery, woodwork and upcycling clothes - the craft corner is the place for busy fingers.
An Oasis of Calm
The Holistic Sanctuary is the place to reset, unwind and reconnect. This chill out cafe is set in amongst the trees to get away from the hustle and bustle.
Bringing a packed programme of entertainment for all ages, Shindig Festival offers relaxation and revelry in equal measures. It is a small festival with a big soul.