Charlton Park, Malmesbury 21–24 May - Music, Arts & Discovery

Shindig has always been one of those festivals that feels like a secret garden — a place where the boundaries between rave, roots, funk, family-friendly chaos, and late-night mischief blur into one long, sun‑drenched weekend. This year’s edition, running across the late May Bank Holiday, looks like its most eclectic yet. Seven stages, a sprawling creative village, a holistic sanctuary, and a lineup that swings from bass-heavy mayhem to brass-driven joy — Shindig is the kind of festival that rewards curiosity.

Below is a guided tour through the artists lighting up the weekend, plus a look at the wider world of Shindig and who it’s perfect for.

THE ARTISTS — A WHISTLESTOP TOUR OF THE LINEUP

FAT DOG

One of the most talked‑about live acts in the UK right now — chaotic, theatrical, and impossible to pin down. Expect punk energy, rave sensibilities, and a crowd that loses its collective mind. Key track: King of the Slugs

BOB VYLAN

A duo who’ve carved out their own lane with politically charged punk‑rap that hits like a brick through a window. Their live shows are cathartic, communal, and fiercely joyful. Key track: We Live Here

WAR

A legendary band whose fusion of funk, soul, Latin rhythms, and rock has influenced generations. Expect sunshine grooves and a masterclass in feel‑good musicianship. Key track: Low Rider

MUNGO’S HI FI

Glasgow’s sound system heroes bring their signature blend of dub, reggae, and dancehall. A guaranteed skank‑fest. Key track: Did You Really Know (feat. Marina P)

MY BABY

Dutch-New Zealand trio weaving psychedelic blues, shamanic grooves, and hypnotic vocals. Perfect for sunset. Key track: Uprising

SNAPPED ANKLES

Forest‑dwelling post‑punk shamans with homemade instruments and a cult following. Expect ritualistic rhythms and a crowd bouncing like woodland sprites. Key track: Rechargeable

COLLEEN ‘COSMO’ MURPHY

A selector with impeccable taste — cosmic disco, deep soul, and dancefloor storytelling. Key track: Her Classic Album Sundays mixes are essential listening.

JOSHUA IDEHEN

Poet, vocalist, and collaborator with The Comet Is Coming and Sons of Kemet. Expect spoken‑word fire over electronic textures. Key track: Don’t You Give Up On Me

AROOP ROY

A global groove alchemist blending disco, Afro, Latin, and house. Key track: Talkin’ Bout Life

CHALI 2NA (LIVE BAND)

The Jurassic 5 icon brings that unmistakable baritone to a full live setup — hip-hop nostalgia with festival‑ready energy. Key track: Comin’ Thru

POLA & BRYSON

Liquid drum & bass duo known for lush atmospherics and emotional depth. Key track: Night Dawns

SESSION VICTIM

German duo delivering dusty house, funk, and live‑instrument grooves. Key track: Good Intentions

2FOX (LIVE)

London outfit blending Afro‑house, broken beat, and soulful vocals. Key track: Elevate

CLOSE COUNTERS (LIVE)

Australian future‑funk duo with irresistible synth lines and dancefloor warmth. Key track: SOMETHING ABOUT YOU

DR MEAKER (LIVE)

Bristol’s live DnB powerhouse — brass, bass, and big festival moments. Key track: Right Back

JAMZ SUPERNOVA

BBC tastemaker and club DJ championing future R&B, broken beat, and global club sounds. Key track: Her Future Bounce mixes are the gateway.

STANTON WARRIORS

Breaks royalty. Expect a masterclass in bass-heavy, party-starting energy. Key track: Hope & Pray

A.SKILLZ

Funk breaks, hip-hop edits, and turntable wizardry. Key track: Beats Working

DUB PISTOLS (LIVE)

Festival favourites blending ska, dub, hip-hop, and big-band swagger. Key track: Cyclone

ED SOLO / SERIAL KILLAZ / DEEKLINE / KELVIN 373

A who’s-who of jungle and DnB heavyweights — expect rewinds, classics, and high-octane sets.

KAYA FYAH / AMY TRUE / BRYTE

A trio of vocalists bringing everything from grime‑infused soul to Ghanaian club energy.

ISHMAEL ENSEMBLE

Bristol’s jazz-electronic collective — atmospheric, cinematic, and deeply moving. Key track: Severn Songs 3

K.O.G SYSTEM

Afro-fusion, highlife, and unstoppable energy from one of the UK’s most uplifting performers. Key track: Shidaa

LAID BLAK

Bristol reggae legends with a warm, feel-good sound. Key track: Bristol Love

SHE GOT BRASS

A brass band with attitude — expect pop covers, funk, and festival‑ready fun.

OMEGA NEBULA / THE HEMPOLICS / MAD APPLE CIRCUS / FLAMENCO THIEF

A cross‑section of dub, psych, ska, and virtuosic guitar loops — the kind of acts that make Shindig feel like a treasure hunt.

And that’s barely scratching the surface — the poster is stacked with DJs, live bands, and left‑field gems waiting to be discovered.

WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING AT SHINDIG?

Shindig isn’t just a music festival — it’s a roaming playground of creativity and community. Across the site you’ll find:

🌿 Holistic Sanctuary

Yoga, massage, meditation, sound baths — a calm oasis for when the bass bins have rearranged your ribcage.

🎨 Craft & Creative Areas

Workshops, makers, interactive art, and hands‑on activities for all ages.

🎪 Kids Area (and Kids Go Free under 4)

Super Pirates, circus workshops, storytelling, and colourful chaos. Shindig is genuinely family‑friendly without losing its edge.

🎡 Fun Fair & Street Food

Classic rides, global cuisine, and late‑night snacks for the wanderers.

🎭 Walkabout Performers & Installations

Rimski & Handkerchief, Jamma de Samba, Graffiators, Colour Town — the festival is alive with roaming characters and immersive micro‑worlds.

🏃 Ravers 2 Runners & World Jungle

Community-led movement, wellbeing, and dance projects that bring people together.

WHO IS SHINDIG FOR?

Shindig attracts a beautifully mixed crowd:

Young families who want a safe, colourful, creative festival with space for kids to roam.
Bass lovers who live for jungle, breaks, dub, and late-night dance tents.
Alternative music fans who love eclecticism and discovery.
The over‑30s festival faithful who want a weekend that’s fun, friendly, and not dominated by teenagers.
Creative souls who enjoy workshops, art, and community vibes as much as the music.

It’s a festival where you’ll see toddlers with ear defenders dancing next to ravers in sequins, and somehow it all makes perfect sense.

For MORE information and to buy your tickets, head to https://shindigfestival.co.uk/