Shindig Festival – Chagford, England 2026
Overview
Shindig Festival is a cherished boutique music and arts celebration set in the idyllic English countryside, blending eclectic sounds from soulful DJ sets to live bands with creative workshops and immersive installations. Known for its intimate scale and community focus, it attracts music lovers seeking an authentic escape without the crowds of larger events, fostering connections through shared experiences in a sustainable, family-friendly environment.
Over four vibrant days, attendees wander through themed venues like hidden tipis and arboretums, discovering everything from circus cabaret to holistic wellness sessions. With a commitment to green practices and local causes, Shindig embodies a pint-sized Glastonbury vibe, where the emphasis on quality over quantity creates lasting memories amid stunning natural beauty.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Eclectic lineup featuring DJs and live acts across genres like electronic, folk, pop, and soul, with past highlights including Sister Sledge and Norman Jay MBE; expect immersive sets in stretch marquees and secret spots.
- Special traditions or features: Annual emphasis on sustainability with eco-friendly initiatives, community support for local charities, and a no-main-stage policy to encourage organic exploration and mingling.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Themed venues such as The Dig Inn for underground vibes, Halcyon for chill sessions, and Shimmy Discotheque for dance; plus art installations, a hidden playground, and the Cushy Holistic Sanctuary for yoga and wellness.
About This Event
- Shindig stands out as one of the UK’s true boutique festivals, prioritizing a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere over commercial hype.
- Its evolution from a small gathering to a beloved staple reflects a dedication to curating diverse, enriching experiences that blend music with cultural and artistic elements.
- Family-oriented spaces like Kids Kingdom ensure it’s welcoming for all ages, with activities tailored to spark joy in younger attendees.
- The festival’s green ethos includes waste reduction and carbon offsetting, making it a model for environmentally conscious events.
- Past editions have drawn praise from media like The Guardian for its “funky, fresh” energy and seamless fusion of entertainment and education.
Why Attend
Attending Shindig means diving into a world where music pulses through ancient parklands, connecting you with like-minded souls in a judgment-free zone of creativity and joy. It’s the perfect antidote to everyday chaos—a chance to unplug, dance under the stars, and rediscover what makes live arts so alive, all while supporting sustainable practices that protect the planet for future festivals.
Beyond the beats, Shindig offers soul-nourishing moments like sunrise workshops or fireside chats, leaving you recharged and inspired. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a curious newcomer, its boutique charm guarantees personal discoveries and friendships that linger long after the final encore.
Date & Duration
- Dates: May 21 – May 24, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- Location: Charlton Park Estate, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9LL, England (Note: While announced for Chagford in initial plans, the confirmed 2026 venue is this historic estate in the Cotswolds, featuring multiple themed areas across the grounds including arboretums and meadows.)
Ticket Information
- How tickets are sold: Primarily online via the official website (shindigfestival.co.uk) and partners like See Tickets and Skiddle; early bird access for newsletter sign-ups, with general sale following; on-site sales limited post-event start.
- Whether admission is free or paid: Paid event, though infants (0-4 years) enter free.
- Ticket pricing in USD: All prices approximate based on current exchange (£1 ≈ $1.30); Super Early Bird Adult: $195, Teen (13-17): $117, Child (5-12): $39, Infant (0-4): Free; additional fees for Live In Vehicle camping: $123.50, Car Parking: $52.
- Any special seating or VIP options: No VIP areas or special seating to maintain the egalitarian boutique vibe; all access is general admission across venues.
- Minimum and maximum ticket pricing: Minimum: $0 (infants); Maximum: $195 (adult early bird, excluding add-ons).
- Additional info: Tickets include weekend camping; upgrades for glamping available separately; all-ages event with under-18s requiring adult supervision; refunds policy per UK consumer law, typically non-refundable except for cancellations.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@shindigfestival.co.uk (general inquiries and bookings).
- Phone: Not specified; use email for direct contact.
- Website: https://shindigfestival.co.uk.
- Social26: @shindigfestival (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X).
- Key Staff: Not specified; direct inquiries to the general email.
- Press/Volunteers: Press via info@shindigfestival.co.uk; volunteer opportunities announced seasonally via website.
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; sign up for newsletter for updates.
Getting There
- Nearest airports: Bristol Airport (BRS, ~45 miles/1-hour drive) or London Heathrow (LHR, ~80 miles/1.5-hour drive); budget flights common via EasyJet or Ryanair.
- Public transport: Train to Chippenham Station (from London Paddington, ~1 hour), then taxi or bus to Malmesbury (~20 minutes); limited direct buses, so pre-book shuttles if available via festival site.
- Parking: On-site car parking available for $52 pass; arrive early as spaces fill quickly; no caravans, but camper vans allowed with separate ticket.
- Other access: Walking/cycling from nearby villages possible; rideshare apps like Uber operate, but signal spotty in rural areas; festival encourages carpooling for sustainability.
Accommodation Options
- On-site camping: Included with standard tickets; bring your own tent for basic pitches across the estate’s fields.
- Live-in vehicle: $123.50 add-on for camper vans or caravans in designated areas; no electric hookups, but toilets nearby.
- Glamping/boutique camping: Luxury bell tents and yurts available via partners (book early, ~$300–$600 for 4 nights); includes beds, power, and private facilities.
- Nearby hotels: Options in Malmesbury or Tetbury (5–10 miles away), like The Priory Inn (~$150/night); book via Booking.com for family rooms.
- Other: Homestays or B&Bs in the Cotswolds (~$100–$200/night); festival site lists approved providers.
Reviews
- This festival felt like a warm hug from old friends—intimate stages, killer sets, and that perfect mix of chill and chaos that makes weekends epic.
- Absolutely magical; the hidden venues and eco-vibes turned a simple getaway into something truly soul-stirring, can’t wait to go back.
- Family heaven with tunes for all ages—the kids loved the playground, and we danced till dawn without the big-fest hassle.
Maps
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FAQ's
What should I pack for Shindig Festival?
Pack layers for unpredictable UK May weather—rain poncho, wellies for muddy fields, and sunscreen for sunny spells. Essentials include a reusable water bottle (free refill stations on-site), portable charger, and eco-friendly toiletries to align with sustainability goals. Don't forget earplugs for late-night sets, a headlamp for nighttime wanders, and snacks if you have dietary needs, though food stalls abound. For families, bring kid-friendly games and baby carriers for easy navigation. Check the website for prohibited items like glass bottles or single-use plastics. Overall, keep it light to embrace the free-spirited vibe.
Is Shindig suitable for families with young children?
Yes, it's all-ages and family-focused with dedicated Kids Kingdom featuring workshops, storytelling, and play areas tailored for under-12s. Parents appreciate the safe, enclosed spaces and chill atmosphere where kids can roam a bit freer than at larger fests. Free entry for infants and discounted child tickets make it accessible, plus breastfeeding-friendly zones in the Holistic Sanctuary. Evening programming winds down earlier in family areas, but live music continues for adults. Volunteers monitor for safety, and lost child protocols are in place—highly recommended for multi-gen trips.
How eco-friendly is the festival, and what can I do to help?
Shindig leads with green initiatives like zero-waste policies, solar-powered stages, and partnerships with local farms for organic food. Attendees sort recycling on-site with clear bins everywhere, and compostable plates cut plastic use. To contribute, carpool or use public transport (shuttles from airports encouraged), bring your own reusables, and opt for the carbon offset add-on during booking. The festival supports UK charities via proceeds, and workshops educate on sustainability. It's a low-impact event that feels good—leaving the park pristine is part of the tradition.
What kind of food and drink options are there?
Expect 20+ vendors offering global street food from vegan curries to wood-fired pizzas, all locally sourced where possible—prices ~$10–15 per meal. Dietary options abound: gluten-free, halal, and plant-based stalls marked clearly. The bar scene features craft beers, ciders (it's England!), and cocktails in themed venues like Nautylicious, with non-alcoholic alternatives. BYO picnics allowed in camping areas, but no glass. Kids' menus and allergy info available; it's diverse enough to satisfy picky eaters while keeping the festival flow uninterrupted.
Can I bring my dog, and what are the pet policies?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads in non-stage areas, but it's not ideal for all pets due to crowds and weather—check site rules. Register at entry for a pet band, and use designated relief zones with waste bags provided. No dogs in food zones or kids' areas for safety. If your pup's anxious around noise, consider boarding nearby. Past attendees rave about dog-friendly vibes, but prioritize welfare—vet clinics are ~20 miles away in Malmesbury. Festival encourages leaving high-energy pets at home for a stress-free experience.
