Latest news with #Shindig
BBC News
6 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Wiltshire in Pictures: Shindig, dancers and crop circles
The week began with Shindig still going strong at its new home at Charlton Park, but it wasn't the only event entertaining people in Chippenham Folk Festival also got the music playing, and the opening of Bowood's walled garden drew in the Aid volunteers were out and about raising money for good causes, and a mysterious crop circle appeared in Sutton is a selection of images from across the county. Ready for 2026? The organisers of Shindig, which took place at its new home at Charlton Park at the weekend, say tickets are already on sale for next year as the festival enjoyed a successful Wiltshire debut. Mysterious: A beautifully-cut crop circle has appeared overnight at a farm in Sutton Veny. Visitors from as far afield as Brazil and Finland have been to see the circle, with locals none the wiser as to who's responsible. Blooming great: Having opened to the public for the first time in April, Bowood's Walled Garden is coming into its own following the surprisingly warm spring. One of the main beneficiaries is the garden's collection of pink roses, which are now fully in bloom ahead of schedule. Atmospheric: A change in the weather has created some interesting skies, and our Weather Watchers Chris and Tam were in the right place at the right time to snap this threatening-looking cloud over Liddington Hill, near Swindon. Challenge accepted: Fundraisers from Colerne Parish Church have been going the extra mile during May, raising money for Christian Aid. The church has taken on the charity's 70k in May challenge and organised four walks along different sections of the new Athelstan Pilgrim Way. They've completed three and have one left to complete on the final day of the month. Let's dance: The Chippenham Folk Festival returned to delight the crowds over the bank holiday weekend. The celebration of music, dance and entertainment was held across the town with the Morris dancing proving particularly popular. High praise: One of the county's favourite independent shops has been honoured in the prestigious Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2025. Highworth Emporium was named Best Independent Gift Retailer in the South West at a ceremony last week and the owners celebrated by decorating the shop with a giant pink bow. Rare appearance: The elusive Burnt-Tip orchid has been sighted in the county, delighting local anthophiles. The orchid, with honey scented flowers, is the county flower of Wiltshire and only appears for a short period between late May and early June.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Thousands party at Shindig festival's new venue
Thousands of music fans have been partying at a festival in its new country estate has moved from Somerset's Dillington Estate to Wiltshire's Charlton Park, where it will be held for three the music stages – which are hosting guests including Gilles Peterson, and Sean Kuti & Egypt 80 – there has been a huge procession of samba drummers, a graffiti battle and various art director Simon Clarke said the festival's new contract with Charlton Park, in Malmesbury, "allows us to do a lot more creative things". Mr Clarke said organisers had moulded the ten-year-old festival around its visitors."They bring kids, they like to dance and have a good time," he said, adding the staff aim to create "a bit of magical feel about the whole thing"."I love seeing people coming back," Mr Clarke said. "Some of the people we know really well now, they've come for ten years."Charlton Park has been the home of Womad festival for 17 years. But Woman is now moving to an as yet unannounced new home next year following a year off in 2025.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
The festival dubbed ‘pint-sized Glastonbury' that's great for first-timers and people who hate big crowds
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FESTIVAL that has been dubbed the "pint-sized Glastonbury" is ideal for first-timers and people who hate queues and crowds. Shindig Festival located at Charlton Park Estate in Malmsbury, Whiltshire, will take place over the bank holiday weekend - May 22 to May 25. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 Shindig Festival is a great alternative to those who missed out on Glastonbury tickets Credit: Shindig Festival 10 The festival is home to a kid's zone, wellbeing area and craft workshops Credit: Shindig Festival 10 Due to the smaller size, it is easier to get around the festival than it is at Glastonbury Credit: Shindig Festival Instead of just a music festival, Shindig is home to a whole host of events and attractions including a healing area, craft area, kid's zone and funfair. The event has even been recommended by Emily Eavis, daughter of the founder of Glastonbury, as a good alternative to those who didn't get tickets to the summer extravaganza. Co-founder of the festival, Simon Clarke said: "I think for a lot of people, it's a bit of a trend now not to go to big festivals because of the size, the crowds, the queuing - all the hassle of having lots of people at one event. "So, I think it's easy and convenient to go to smaller events, especially ours, which is under 10,000 people. So, there's less walking involved, you've got more energy for dancing and having fun. "We don't get queues for anything really - we don't get queues for the toilets or the bars." Unlike Glastonbury, the acts have "nice crowds" that "aren't jam-packed in" so visitors can enjoy the events and be able to watch them with less stress. Simon commented: "You get to see all the music up close, which at Glastonbury you're probably back of 30,000 people; in this you're in a crowd of maybe 2,000 at max. "You can actually see the bands and really get into the music and hear it." Another great perk of the festival is that you don't lose your friends, as the event doesn't sprawl across a huge area. Simon added: "You can leave your friends and meet up with them later quite easily - you don't have to use your phone or text or anything to find them." Skepta reveals HUGE line up as he launches his first ever festival in London - named after himself The 52-year-old explained that there is more of community feel at Shindig, due to its smaller size. He said: "People get to know each other over the weekend, which they don't get at big events." "People make friends for life, where they'll come back every year to see the people they go to Shindig with." "It's sort of like an ever-growing family type vibe where they say, 'oh, we'll all be at Shindig' or 'we'll all travel to Shindig together'." And for those who have never been to a festival before but want to attend one, Shindig is also great for first-timers. "This is the perfect environment for that because you don't lose your kids. 10 There are also activities for children including DJ battles Credit: Shindig Festival 10 The event will have around 30 local food vendors Credit: Shindig Festival "It feels really safe and they won't get lost in a big crowd or all the hassle of a big event," explained Simon. Simon also shared that the added benefit of a smaller event, means there is no pre-planning, as everything on the line-up is in close proximity to each other. "Small events can [also] be in more beautiful places - we've got an arboretum." The festival has also been created by festival lovers, who have worked with other festivals in the past. And all of the current directors have got children of their own and therefore are always thinking of ways to make the event family-friendly. "We basically make it for our kids," Simon said. 10 Cabaret and circus acts will also be present - walking around the site Credit: Shindig Festival 10 The festival takes place from May 22 to 25 Credit: Shindig Festival "So it's safe for our kids and they've got enough entertainment. When other parents bring theirs, they sort of get the benefit of that because we're putting things in that we know our kids will enjoy [and so other kids will too]. "We've got a kids area, we've got a fun fair, we've got lots of crafts workshops going on, graffiti battles and DJ workshops." There is entertainment for different age groups across the festival, including teenagers as the organisers did not want them to be "left in a gap, like at a lot of other festivals". There are also yoga sessions, massages, saunas and gong therapy - some of which even take place in the trees. "It's all about relaxation, thought and meditation and just getting out of the festival vibe for a little bit. It's quite nice to have the contrast at the festival," shared Simon. "You can be in the action or you can just go relax somewhere and just have a nice time." It doesn't stop there - the festival also hosts cabaret walkabouts, including brass bands and aerial performers. Simon said: "It just adds to the element of there's lots of interesting things going on all the time and you don't really know what's going to happen next. 10 This year's theme will be 'Love is the Answer' Credit: Shindig Festival 10 People dress up for the event each year in accordance with the theme Credit: Shindig Festival "Families do really love Shindig for that fact - that it's safe and people look after each other." Many of the suppliers at the festival are local and due to the festival's location in Wiltshire, lots of fresh produce is used at the event. A local brewery called Ramsbury will be serving the beer and in total there are about 30 different food traders. Each year the festival also has a theme and this year's is 'Love is the Answer' - this hearts and florals, with a 'peace' vibe. There is currently a flash offer for The Sun readers, with an adult weekend ticket priced at £175 (usually £225). The offer is only available for one week and to get the discount use the code 'SHINDIGSUN' at the checkout. The offer ends May 13. Plus, The Sun's guide to festivals in 2025. Also, what else there is to do if you didn't get Glasto tickets.
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
The festival dubbed ‘pint-sized Glastonbury' that's great for first-timers and people who hate big crowds
A FESTIVAL that has been dubbed the "pint-sized Glastonbury" is ideal for first-timers and people who hate queues and crowds. Shindig Festival located at Charlton Park Estate in Malmsbury, Advertisement 10 Shindig Festival is a great alternative to those who missed out on Glastonbury tickets Credit: Shindig Festival 10 The festival is home to a kid's zone, wellbeing area and craft workshops Credit: Shindig Festival 10 Due to the smaller size, it is easier to get around the festival than it is at Glastonbury Credit: Shindig Festival Instead of just a music festival, Shindig is home to a whole host of events and attractions including a healing area, craft area, The event has even been recommended by Co-founder of the festival, Simon Clarke said: "I think for a lot of people, it's a bit of a trend now not to go to big festivals because of the size, the crowds, the queuing - all the hassle of having lots of people at one event. "So, I think it's easy and convenient to go to smaller events, especially ours, which is under 10,000 people. So, there's less walking involved, you've got more energy for Advertisement Read more on festivals "We don't get queues for anything really - we don't get queues for the toilets or the bars." Unlike Glastonbury, the acts have " nice crowds" that "aren't jam-packed in" so visitors can enjoy the events and be able to watch them with less stress. Simon commented: "You get to see all the music up close, which at Glastonbury you're probably back of 30,000 people; in this you're in a crowd of maybe 2,000 at max. "You can actually see the bands and really get into the music and hear it." Advertisement Most read in News Travel Exclusive Exclusive Another great perk of the festival is that you don't lose your friends, as the event doesn't sprawl across a huge area. Simon added: "You can leave your friends and meet up with them later quite easily - you don't have to use your phone or text or anything to find them." Skepta reveals HUGE line up as he launches his first ever festival in London - named after himself The 52-year-old explained that there is more of community feel at Shindig, due to its smaller size. He said: "People get to know each other over the weekend, which they don't get at big events." Advertisement "People make friends for life, where they'll come back every year to see the people they go to Shindig with." "It's sort of like an ever-growing family type vibe where they say, 'oh, we'll all be at Shindig' or 'we'll all travel to Shindig together'." And for those who have never been to a festival before but want to attend one, Shindig is also great for first-timers. "This is the perfect environment for that because you don't lose your kids. Advertisement 10 There are also activities for children including DJ battles Credit: Shindig Festival 10 The event will have around 30 local food vendors Credit: Shindig Festival "It feels really safe and they won't get lost in a big crowd or all the hassle of a big event," explained Simon. Simon also shared that the added benefit of a smaller event, means there is no pre-planning, as everything on the line-up is in close proximity to each other. Advertisement "Small events can [also] be in more beautiful places - we've got an arboretum." The festival has also been created by festival lovers, who have worked with other And all of the current directors have got children of their own and therefore are always thinking of ways to make the event "We basically make it for our kids," Simon said. Advertisement 10 Cabaret and circus acts will also be present - walking around the site Credit: Shindig Festival 10 The festival takes place from May 22 to 25 Credit: Shindig Festival "So it's safe for our kids and they've got enough entertainment. When other parents bring theirs, they sort of get the benefit of that because we're putting things in that we know our kids will enjoy [and so other kids will too]. "We've got a kids area, we've got a Advertisement There is entertainment for different age groups across the festival, including teenagers as the organisers did not want them to be "left in a gap, like at a lot of other festivals". There are also "It's all about relaxation, thought and meditation and just getting out of the "You can be in the action or you can just go relax somewhere and just have a nice time." Advertisement It doesn't stop there - the festival also hosts cabaret walkabouts, including brass bands and aerial performers. Simon said: "It just adds to the element of there's lots of interesting things going on all the time and you don't really know what's going to happen next . 10 This year's theme will be 'Love is the Answer' Credit: Shindig Festival 10 People dress up for the event each year in accordance with the theme Credit: Shindig Festival Advertisement "Families do really love Shindig for that fact - that it's safe and people look after each other." Many of the suppliers at the festival are local and due to the festival's location in Wiltshire, lots of fresh produce is used at the event. A local brewery called Ramsbury will be serving the beer and in total there are about 30 different Each year the festival also has a theme and this year's is 'Love is the Answer' - this hearts and florals, with a 'peace' vibe. Advertisement There is currently a flash offer for The Sun readers, with an adult weekend ticket priced at £175 (usually £225). The offer is only available for one week and to get the discount use the code 'SHINDIGSUN' The offer ends May 13. Plus, Advertisement Also, 10 The Sun has a special discount for tickets for the next week only Credit: Shindig Festival
BBC News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Missed out on Glastonbury? Check out these festivals instead
If you did not manage to bag a ticket to Glastonbury this year, there is still plenty to look forward to. The West of England is home to a vibrant line-up of festivals offering everything from live music to arts and family fun - perfect for curing those Glastonbury while some events have folded due to tough economic conditions, many others are still going strong, showcasing incredible local and international talent across the is a collection of some of the festivals which still have tickets available. Shindig, 22 May - 25 May 2025 Charlton Park, Malmesbury, WiltshireCapacity: 7,500A festival that had announced 2024 would be its final year - citing the challenging economic climate - is making a triumphant return. Shindig Festival is back, now set in a new location at Charlton Park Estate, a "pint-sized Glastonbury" and even recommended by Emily Eavis as a great alternative for those who missed out on Glastonbury tickets, Shindig will celebrate its 11th year in and selectors remain central to the festival's identity, with this year's line-up featuring the likes of Gilles Peterson, Gardna x APH, Dub FX, Mr Scruff, Gentlemen's Dub Club, Artwork, Dan Shake, and Luke Una, among year also brings a fresh musical focus, spotlighting high-energy live performances from global artists across genres like Afrobeat, Highlife, and year's dress-up theme is "Love is the Answer", with festivalgoers encouraged to get creative and take part in the vibrant Saturday for the first time, day tickets will be available, giving guests the chance to enjoy the full festival experience during the day and camp overnight before heading home the next morning. Love Saves the Day, 24 May - 25 May 2025 Ashton Court, BristolCapacity: 30,000, no campingBristol's biggest party starter returns this May, blending house, drum and bass, pop, and live performances across two high-octane and Nia Archives will headline Saturday and Sunday, with a strong supporting cast that includes Groove Armada, Andy C, Ghetts, and Girls Don't Saves the Day takes place on 24 and 25 May at Ashton Court, promising a weekend packed with energy, colour, and cutting-edge sounds. Wychwood, 30 May - 1 June 2025 Cheltenham Racecourse, GloucestershireCapacity: 10,000Wychwood Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. It was launched in 2005 by a group of festival enthusiasts wanting to create an intimate and thrilling weekend festival festival has been described as family-friendly and laid-back, blending indie, folk, comedy, and hands-on workshops in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Shed Seven kick things off on Friday with their Britpop anthems, James take the Saturday slot with classics like Sit Down and Laid, and Doves close the weekend on Sunday with their signature atmospheric indie rock. Nowadaze, 17 July - 20 July 2025 Oxwick Farm in Yate, BristolCapacity: 500Nowadaze is an intimate, grassroots event that blends underground music, art, and community just 25 minutes from Bristol, the 2025 edition will host over 175 artists across four stages, featuring genres from drum and bass, techno, and UKG to punk, jazz, and folk. With a strong DIY ethos, the festival showcases local talent, independent food vendors, and immersive art installations. 2000trees, 9 July - 12 July 2025 Upcote Farm, CheltenhamCapacity: 15,000Set in the Cotswolds, 2000trees is an independent rock music festival with a focus on upcoming and underground festival has become known for its laid-back vibes, loyal fanbase, and impressive line-ups of guitar-led legends and underground Friday, co-headliners Kneecap and PVRIS will both make their UK festival headline Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria will take to the stage at 2000trees for the first Alexisonfire will close the festival on Saturday, also making their debut at 2000trees. The Godney Gathering, 18 July - 19 July 2025 Garslade Farm, GlastonburyCapacity: 5,000Just down the road from Worthy Farm, The Godney Gathering is a micro-festival packed with local charm and major in 2011, the festival has seen previous headliners such as UB40, Feeder, The Darkness, Scouting for Girls, Gentleman's Dub Club and the year's festival features acts such as The Enemy, Lucy Spraggan, Dreadzone and The Beatles Dub Club. Homestead Festival, 18 July - 20 July 2025 Clevedon, North SomersetCapacity: 1,500Homestead Festival is a boutique, over-25s event set in the Mendip Hills of North from 18–20 July at Fernhill Farm, it offers an intimate experience capped at 1,500 festival features a diverse line-up, including acts like Warmduscher, Fat Dog, Erol Alkan, and Luke Una, alongside comedy performances from Paul Smith and Troy Hawke. ArcTanGent, 13 August - 16 August 2025 Fernhill Farm, near BristolCapacity: 5,000ArcTanGent is a three-day rock festival held at Fernhill Farm in in 2013, it has grown into the UK's premier summer festival for math rock, post-rock, progressive metal, and experimental music. This year's line-up boasts impressive headliners, including Wardruna, the Norwegian folk-metal pioneers Karnivool, the Australian progressive rock band, and TesseracT, the UK's giants of progressive metal. Forwards Festival, 23 August - 24 August 2025 Clifton Downs, BristolCapacity: 60,000, no campingForwards Festival returns to Clifton Downs for its fourth year, blending cutting-edge music with thought-provoking social commentary. Known for its forward-thinking line-up, the festival brings together global music stars and influential headliners include Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu, and Bonobo, while this year's standout acts include Barry Can't Swim, Ezra Collective, Doechii, Jorja Smith, and The Last Dinner Party. Outcider Festival, 31 July - 3 August Fernhilll Farm, SomersetCapacity: 500Outcider Festival returns to Fernhill Farm for another lively weekend of music and in its 11th year, the festival is known for its fun, friendly, and inclusive tickets capped at just 500, it promises an intimate and energetic experience - and they are already selling fast. Nearly 40 live acts will perform across two alternating stages throughout the weekend, keeping the music going non-stop.
