Signalling the start of the summer, Shindig Festival (21st–24th May 2026) kicks the season off with a bang. It’s the only UK music and arts festival held in an arboretum with a 4 am licence. The independent event returns to Charlton Park Estate, Wiltshire.
The festival has been dubbed “a pint-sized version of Glastonbury” and been recommended by Emily Eavis, Glastonbury organiser. And it officially has one of the friendliest festival crowds in the UK.
Here are 10 things not to miss…
Number 1: Headline acts and live music
Rapidly rising, Fat Dog fuse dance-punk, techno, klezmer and industrial pop. They’re already sharing stages with major acts including support slots for Foo Fighters. Snapped Ankles are raw, ritualistic dance-punk – they have a late-night slot for big rave. Bob Vylan – a band known for confronting social and political issues through music.
WAR, the iconic Long Beach funk, soul, rock band are known for massive sing-along classics like Why Can’t We Be Friends, Low Rider and Spill the Wine. They’re performing their only UK show outside London. Not forgetting Chali 2NA thebass baritone voice from Jurassic 5 – he is bringing his newly-formed live band.
Number 2: Dancing on incredible dancefloors
On the electronic music front… Disco and house lovers can look forward to Colleen Cosmo Murphy and Aroop Roy. Live dance acts include 2Fox, Close Counters and Joshua Idehen – offering a powerful mix of soulful electronic performance, emotional storytelling and jazz inspired musicality.
For some head-down hedonism, drum & bass fans will enjoy Pola & Bryson, a Jungle Cakes takeover featuring Serial Killaz, Deekline, Ed Solo, Kaya Faya plus Born On Road’s Kelvin 373 and his daughter Kaisha.
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.
Number 3: 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.
Number 4: Talk by Lead Donkeys
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.
Number 5: Kids Playground
Part of what makes Shindig special is that it’s the ideal weekend for party people with children. Voted ‘Best For Family Rave’ by Festival Kidz, this year sees the return of Graffiators, themuch loved Super Pirates, World Jungle, Colour Town, not forgetting the hugely popular fun fair. Jamba de Samba will lead the procession on Saturday.
Number 6: Low effort fun.
Easy to get to, everything is close by, no long queues, exemplary toilets, warm smiling stewards and security. Nothing is too far away, so kids can run free and parents can relax.
Number 7 Loving our local acts
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.
Last year The Gallimaufry and Bristol Beer Factory (our official festival beer) released a compilation on Severn Songs Records showcasing the next wave of Bristol artists – now we’re bringing it to the stage.
RWKUS, MĀDŁY, DEEMS EXPERIMENT & ZENA take over Naughtylicious on Saturday 23 May, plus a special guest DJ set from Ishmael Ensemble. Expect afrobeat, hip-hop, jazz & neo-soul. Big Bristol energy
Number 8 Have a Crafternoon
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.
Number 9 the friendliest crowd you’ll ever meet.
Time and time again, people rave about how amazing the people are.
Shindiggers are fun, friendly and up for making even more mates. So even if you lose your friends temporarily – guaranteed you’ll make some new friends.
Number 10 Ravers to Runners
New for this year, the festival has teamed up with the energetic ravers and runners – so limber up, run around the beautiful estate, make some new friends and then party later.