Shindig Festival has just announced its line-up for 2023, and it’s the best yet! Now in its ninth year, the festival takes place on 25 to 28 May in the stunning grounds of Dillington Estate in Somerset, a 16th century house and hotel that’s surrounded by beautiful, tree-studded parkland.
This year’s headliners include dance-pop legend, Sister Sledge featuring Kathy Sledge, so expect much-loved disco classics such as We Are Family, Greatest Dancer, Lost In Music and Thinking Of You; and satirical news reporter (and comedy genius), Jonathan Pie, known for his a potty-mouthed, highly quotable parody of a journalist who can often be found outside Westminster. Other main acts include London post-punk band, Warmduscher; the original queen of reggae music who is best known for No, No No, Dawn Penn; London based artist, producer, remixer, DJ and founder of Phantasy, Erol Alkan; top dog in the bass heavy-atmosphere of Britain’s reggae dancehalls and BBC regular, David Rodigan; one of the most celebrated and accomplished DJs in Britain, Norman Jay MBE; and BBC 6 music’s, Huey Morgan!
Will Lardner, Festival co-founder says:
“We are so excited about 2023. Nine years in and we’re now well versed in putting together an incredible line-up that has something for everyone. Every year, I wonder how we’ll beat the last but we’ve nailed it. From Funk to Punk, Dancehall to Drum & Bass, Hip Hop & House, as well as huge headline Live Acts and a DJ roster of old and (hopefully) new favorites that span pioneers, legends and luminaries… this year has it all.”
For those in the know, Shindig has a reputation for combining old-skool royalty with festival mainstays, and rising stars. It prides itself on having no main stage, just a beautiful arrangement of stretch marquees. Festival folk roam effortlessly from stage to stage, with a drink in hand, enjoying the atmosphere in what some might describe as the perfect festival village.
Expect some awe-inspiring art installations that look like they’ve fallen from Mars, from the most visionary and trailblazing creatives of today. From giant welded artwork, interactive diversions, to fire-breathing sculptures.
For families, there’s Kids Kingdom with its own cinema and rolling programme of family-friendly movies; plus, workshops in drumming, breakdancing, graffiti, DJ’ing and MC’ing; and not forgetting inflatables sessions, a climbing wall, puppet show, giant marble run and loads more.
This year’s fancy dress theme is Mad Hatters, so expect a parade of Shindiggery Wonderland delights with Alice, the March Hare, and a Dormouse in tow.
There are lots of accommodation options on offer. If you want to stay in style, there are a selection of superior, deluxe and standard rooms in Dillington House, all with bathrooms and breakfast included. If you prefer a more authentic camping experience but with a touch of luxury then there are airstreams, bell tents and yurts for hire, plus posh toilets and showers. More seasoned festival-goers can rock up with their trusty tents and create their own little sanctuary, just a few minutes’ walk from the action.
Shindig Productions has now been granted a licence to stage the festival at Dillington Estate until 2025 which is great news for the organisers and fans alike.
Tickets are on sale now, with a pay in instalments option. Presale tickets sold out in under 24 hours and general release tickets are flying out of the door so be quick!
For the full line-up and more about the acts, head over to shindigfestival.co.uk.
