Festival licence could face review after booking Bob Vylan as headliner

A Wiltshire music festival may have its premises licence reviewed just days before it is due to open, after concerns were raised about potential disorder and public safety linked to its headline act, punk duo Bob Vylan.

Shindig Festival, scheduled for 21–24 May at Charlton Park, is set to have its licence reconsidered on 18 May, three days before gates open. The review application has been made on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety.

The move follows controversy surrounding frontman Bobby Vylan, who drew national attention last summer after leading a chant of “death, death to the IDF” during the band’s Glastonbury performance. The comments were condemned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as “appalling hate speech”, while Glastonbury organisers said they were “appalled”. Avon and Somerset Police later confirmed the incident did not meet the criminal threshold for charges.

A Shindig spokesperson said the festival was working closely with “the artist and the authorities” to ensure a “robust plan” was in place to address concerns, adding that safety “has always come first”.

Bob Vylan were dropped from several festivals and international performances following the Glastonbury incident, including Radar Festival and a planned US tour after visa issues. Despite this, Shindig announced the duo as its 2026 headliner in February, describing them as “one of the most vital, fearless and electrifying live acts in the UK” and arguing that “art should challenge as well as unite”.

Wiltshire Council granted the festival’s licence last year, stressing that it had no influence over artist selection but would work with partners to ensure compliance with legislation.

Cllr Paul Sample confirmed the review application had been submitted but said it would be inappropriate to comment further ahead of the licensing sub‑committee hearing.

A public consultation will determine whether the review proceeds.