Police have confirmed they have no concerns regarding the appearance of punk-rap band Bob Vylan at the Shindig Festival in the Cotswolds later this month. However, local Conservative representatives remain apprehensive, warning that the band’s confrontational and provocative messages could spark public disorder and disturb nearby village residents.
Bob Vylan, infamous for their politically charged chants such as “Death to the IDF” during last year’s Glastonbury Festival, is slated to headline the Shindig Festival at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury. The event, opening on May 21, faces scrutiny as a Wiltshire Council committee will review the festival’s licence just days prior.
The South Cotswold Conservative Association has submitted an application to revoke the licence, citing the band’s inflammatory rhetoric as a potential catalyst for hostility and community tension. Their statement highlights concerns over Bob Vylan’s use of live performances to deliver highly politicised content that goes beyond artistic expression into territory deemed provocative.
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Wiltshire Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall echoed these worries, emphasizing that while she supports free speech, the band’s reputation for aggressive, confrontational performances raises legitimate fears about protest activity and heightened tensions. She also stressed the risk of disorder and antisocial behaviour, especially in a festival atmosphere with a large, mixed crowd and alcohol consumption.
Threlfall expressed particular concern about the festival’s family-friendly status and the potential negative impact on children. She questioned the decision to have Bob Vylan as a headline act, suggesting that the festival would be safer and more harmonious without them.
Similarly, Michael Bromley Gardner, clerk to Charlton Parish Council, warned about the disruptive potential of the band’s inflammatory statements, recalling last year’s festival where loud offensive language disturbed village residents. He argued that Bob Vylan’s clearly audible performance could result in a public nuisance.
Despite these concerns, Wiltshire Police do not intend to object to the festival’s licence application. Inspector Louis McCoy stated that, after reviewing the event management plan and related documents, the festival is professionally organised and that no incidents of concern occurred during the 2025 event involving the band. He added that intelligence will continue to be monitored and local police remain fully briefed.
The council committee will also review 14 statements supporting the festival. One long-time attendee praised Shindig’s welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and thoughtful organisation, emphasizing the event’s consistent safety and peaceful nature. They highlighted how the festival actively promotes responsible enjoyment and aligns with licensing goals related to public safety, crime prevention, public nuisance avoidance, and child protection.
The committee now faces several options: revoking the licence, modifying licensing conditions, or taking no further action.