Shindig Festival releases full line up for 2022

Born out of a party for friends of the Ghetto Funk record label, well-loved boutique festival Shindig has evolved to become a west-country favourite, renowned for its friendly and welcoming vibe and eclectic mix of music and entertainment.

The self-styled ‘mash up of a gig, free party, circus show, series of curious craft workshops, wellbeing retreat and kids’ party’ has been building a following since 2014, and will be holding its seventh Shindig on May 26-29 in a brand new location – the lush tree-dotted parkland of Somerset’s Dillington Estate, where the 16th century house and hotel will be available for high-end accommodation packages.

With a programme across seven stages – laid out as stretch marquees – offering ‘relaxation and revelry in equal measure’, the organisers are confident there will be something for everyone.

Crowds at one of the main stages at Shindig – photo: Nathan Roach

Hip-hop royalty De La Soul and acid jazz forefather Roy Ayers are headlining; there will be performances from the electrifying Ibibio Sound Machine and MOBO-nominated jazztronica duo Blue Lab Beats, plenty of Shindig favourites as well as debut sets from artists including Dillinja, DJ Flight, and DJ Rap (voted the number one female DJ in the world).

Musical celebrations from Rob Da Bank & Tayo’s Purple Rave – in honour of Prince, and The Rebel Dread’s Don Letts with Terry Hall of The Specials promise to offer some of the more unique and memorable moments from the weekend.

Also performing are 70s and 80s funk heroes Odyssey; the unforgettable mash-ups of the House Gospel Choir, and there will be DJ sets from the legendary Goldie, Nightmares on Wax, Franscois K, Stanton Warriors and Jamz Supernova among numerous others.

Revellers at Shindig – photo: Nathan Roach

But from the jungle and drum n bass to keep revellers dancing til dawn, there is another, calmer side to Shindig – one that makes it suitable for families and those looking for the chance to wind down and reconnect with mind and body.

An extensive wellness programme sees a variety of therapists on hand with treatments, and also encompasses group sessions including yoga, tai chi and ecstatic dance.

People can expect art installations, circus and burlesque performances, crafting workshops, and an expanded Kids Kingdom featuring games and entertainment from the hugely popular Flying Seagull Project, clay-modelling with Aardman and drumming sessions with Jamba de Samba.

Fire performer at Shindig after dark – photo: Nathan Roach

“I’m so excited about 2022,” admits festival co-founder Will Lardner. “It’s the most diverse lineup we’ve ever seen.

“From gospel choirs to Shindig regulars and everything in between: pioneers, legends and luminaries, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dance the weekend away in beautiful new surroundings.”

The chosen fancy dress theme for Shindig 2022 will be Mardi Gras, and festival goers are encouraged to join together in feathers, beads and head to toe festival splendour throughout the weekend.

Shindig Festival is at Dillington Estate, Somerset, on May 26-29. For more information, the full line up and tickets, visit www.shindigfestival.co.uk.

Main image: Sarah Koury

Read more: Review: Shindig Festival 2019

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