Bob Vylan brands Shindig licence review 'shameful'

Controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan have described the threat to a festival's licence as "shameful" after concerns were raised about them headlining.

Shindig organisers said they remain confident the event, due to be hosted at Charlton Park near Malmesbury, will still go ahead on 21 May.

Wiltshire Council will make a decision on whether to revoke the licence, modify its existing conditions or take no further action on 18 May, just three days before gates open.

The duo hit the headlines in 2025 when frontman Bobby Vylan led a chant of "death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]" at Glastonbury Festival.

Bob Vylan slammed the Shindig licence review as "unwarranted", adding they were "incredibly excited" about the upcoming performance.

The duo said they were "proud to take part in a festival with morals and ethics that places art, and freedom to express that art, at its forefront".

Following their Glastonbury appearance, the band was dropped from a number of festivals and performances including Radar Festival, Kave Fest, and a US tour after their visas were revoked.

Avon and Somerset Police also launched an investigation, but ruled no further action would be taken as it did "not meet the criminal threshold" for prosecution.

Under the Licensing Act 2003, anyone can make an application for a review of a premises licence, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The application, submitted by South Cotswold Conservative Association, stated Bob Vylan had "been widely criticised for inflammatory and divisive rhetoric".

It added there was a risk the "event may provide a platform for content that could contribute to hostility, disorder, or community tension".

But Insp Louis McCory, from Wiltshire Police, said there is "no information or intelligence" to suggest concern over public disorder.

The council committee will also consider 14 statements received during a consultation in support of the festival, with one describing it as "welcoming", "inclusive" and "peacefully run".

A decision on whether to revoke the licence, modify its existing conditions or to take no further action is expected on 18 May.

In a statement, festival organisers appear confident this year's event will be "going ahead as planned", with Bob Vylan headlining.

"We're facing censorship and standing our ground," said director Simon Clarke.

"We don't want a precedent to be set whereby influential political lobbying groups can dictate who performs at our events or in the wider music industry.

"Shindig has a strong 12-year track record as a safe, professionally run independent festival."

Clarke said safety had always been the festival's "absolute priority" and they are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure robust measures are in place.

About 10,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which is due to take place from 21 to 24 May.

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