The Northern Area Licensing Sub Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Monday 18 May 2026 to consider an application for a review of the premises licence for Shindig Festival. The Sub Committee decided that no steps were necessary regarding the premises licence.

Shindig Festival Premises Licence Review

The Sub Committee considered an application to review the premises licence for Shindig Festival, held at Charlton Park, Malmesbury, following an application made by the South Cotswold Conservative Association. The review was prompted by concerns over the inclusion of the artist Bob Vylan, with the applicant citing the artist's inflammatory and divisive rhetoric and potential to contribute to hostility, disorder, or community tension.

Arguments for the Review: The South Cotswold Conservative Association argued that Bob Vylan's performances, which have been widely criticised and included allegations of antisemitic statements, posed a risk to the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety. They highlighted media coverage of controversy surrounding the artist, including their appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in 2025, and noted the current climate of heightened concern within the British Jewish community regarding safety and inclusion.

Charlton Parish Council supported the review, expressing concerns about environmental impact and noise disturbance from previous festivals. They specifically cited worries about Bob Vylan's usual comments being heard in the village, potentially causing public nuisance and harm to children. Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall, representing the Brinkworth Division, echoed these concerns, viewing the booking as inappropriate for a family-friendly festival and raising worries about potential nuisance, community cohesion, and the suitability of content for children.

Arguments Against the Review: Shindig Festival's organisers, Shindig Productions Ltd, presented a strong defence, highlighting the festival's positive track record and commitment to licensing objectives. They stated that the review was anticipatory, not based on any past incidents at the festival. They emphasised that Bob Vylan's performance had been carefully considered, with direct engagement with the artist and contractual terms reviewed to ensure compliance with licensing objectives. They pointed to Bob Vylan's subsequent performances at other UK and European festivals and venues in 2025 without a repetition of the concerns raised about Glastonbury.

The organisers also detailed contractual terms agreed with Bob Vylan, including full legal compliance, respect for communities, and upholding public confidence in the festival. They noted that none of the Responsible Authorities, including Wiltshire Police and Immigration Enforcement, had made representations in support of the review application. Wiltshire Police stated they had no information or intelligence concerning any public disorder at Shindig as a result of Bob Vylan's appearance and confirmed they would continue to review intelligence leading up to the event.

Numerous representations from local residents and businesses also supported the festival, describing it as a safe, inclusive, and well-managed event that brings significant cultural and economic benefits to the area. Many of these representations stressed that the festival should be judged on its own track record rather than speculation or wider political arguments.

Decision: The Sub Committee determined that no steps were necessary in respect of the Premises Licence held by Shindig Festivals Ltd. They acknowledged that while the choice of a controversial headline act for a family-friendly festival might be open to question, it was ultimately a decision for the Premises Licence Holder. The Sub Committee was satisfied that the Event Safety Management Plan and formal conditions imposed would enable them to uphold the licensing objectives.

All parties were informed of their right to appeal the decision to the Magistrates Court within 21 days.