Police have ‘no concern’ over Bob Vylan festival appearance
Wiltshire Police say they have no concerns about controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan playing at a music festival in Wiltshire later this month
Wiltshire Police say they have no concerns about controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan playing at a music festival in Wiltshire later this month.
But local Conservatives say the band’s “confrontational and provocative” messages could lead to public disorder, and fear “inflammatory and divisive statements” could upset people living in a nearby village.
The band, whose chants of “Death to the IDF” at Glastonbury Festival last year got them into hot water, are billed to headline Shindig Festival at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, which will open its gates to music fans on Thursday, May 21.
But just three days before, a committee of Wiltshire Councillors will decide whether to revoke the festival’s licence.
An application to review the licence has been submitted by South Cotswold Conservative Association, which says Bob Vylan, “has been widely criticised for inflammatory and divisive rhetoric, including allegations of antisemitic statements.”
The association says: “There is a risk that the event may provide a platform for content that could contribute to hostility, disorder, or community tension, particularly given the current climate in which members of the British Jewish community have expressed heightened concerns regarding safety and inclusion.
“Evidence of the performer using live platforms to deliver highly politicised messaging, including slogans and statements during performances that go beyond artistic expression and enter into territory that may reasonably be viewed as provocative or antagonistic toward particular groups.”
The association’s call for a licence review has the support of Wiltshire Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall (Conservative, Brinkworth), who said: “Bob Vylan is widely known for performances that are highly confrontational and provocative, often addressing contentious issues in an aggressive manner.
“While I support the principle of free speech… the reputation of the band means there is a legitimate concern that such performances may draw in protest activity and heighten tensions among the audiences, particularly within a large, mixed, and alcohol-consuming crowd typical of this festival environment.
“This raises a reasonable risk of disorder, confrontations, and antisocial behaviour, placing additional strain on security provision and increasing the likelihood of incidents requiring intervention.”
Cllr Threlfall adds that she is worried about the potential effect the band’s performance might have on children.
“Shindig Festival has always been promoted as family-friendly, and at the last one there were many children present and a relaxed happy atmosphere,” she said.
“I fail to understand why the organisers judged that Bob Vylan was an appropriate headline act with its reputation for aggressive, hostile, violent and racist themes. There is a genuine risk that children will be exposed to material likely to cause distress or harm. The Festival will be safer and more harmonious without this act.”
And Michael Bromley Gardner, clerk to Charlton Parish Council, said: “It is common knowledge that these performers make inflammatory and divisive statements including antisemitic sentiments during their acts.
“Charlton has experience of how clearly the spoken word over loudspeakers is heard in the village, after bad language/swearing at a music festival in Charlton Park last year was clearly heard in the village.
“It seems highly unlikely that Bob Vylan’s usual comments will not be equally clearly heard in Charlton, giving rise to public nuisance and harm to children.”
However, Wiltshire Police say they “do not intend to object to (the) licence application.”
Inspector Louis McCoy said: “On review of the event management plan and associated documents, the event presents as professionally run and during the 2025 festival there were no incidents of concern that presented.
“There is no information or intelligence concerning any public disorder at Shindig as a result of this act’s appearance. Intelligence will continue to be reviewed leading up to the event and the local policing team are fully briefed.”
The Wiltshire Police say they have no concerns about controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan playing at a music festival in Wiltshire later this month.
But local Conservatives say the band’s “confrontational and provocative” messages could lead to public disorder, and say “inflammatory and divisive statements” could upset people living in a nearby village.
The band, whose chants of “Death to the IDF” at Glastonbury Festival last year got them into hot water, are billed to headline Shindig Festival at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, which will open its gates to music fans on Thursday, May 21.
But just three days before, a committee of Wiltshire Councillors will decide whether the festival can go ahead.
An application to review the licence has been submitted by South Cotswold Conservative Association, which says Bob Vylan, “has been widely criticised for inflammatory and divisive rhetoric, including allegations of antisemitic statements.”
The association says: “There is a risk that the event may provide a platform for content that could contribute to hostility, disorder, or community tension, particularly given the current climate in which members of the British Jewish community have expressed heightened concerns regarding safety and inclusion.
“Evidence of the performer using live platforms to deliver highly politicised messaging, including slogans and statements during performances that go beyond artistic expression and enter into territory that may reasonably be viewed as provocative or antagonistic toward particular groups.”
The association’s call for a licence review has the support of Wiltshire Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall (Conservative, Brinkworth), who said: “Bob Vylan is widely known for performances that are highly confrontational and provocative, often addressing contentious issues in an aggressive manner.
“While I support the principle of free speech… the reputation of the band means there is a legitimate concern that such performances may draw in protest activity and heighten tensions among the audiences, particularly within a large, mixed, and alcohol-consuming crowd typical of this festival environment.
“This raises a reasonable risk of disorder, confrontations, and antisocial behaviour, placing additional strain on security provision and increasing the likelihood of incidents requiring intervention.”
Cllr Threlfall adds that she is worried about the potential effect the band’s performance might have on children.
“Shindig Festival has always been promoted as family-friendly, and at the last one there were many children present and a relaxed happy atmosphere,” she said.
“I fail to understand why the organisers judged that Bob Vylan was an appropriate headline act with its reputation for aggressive, hostile, violent and racist themes. There is a genuine risk that children will be exposed to material likely to cause distress or harm. The Festival will be safer and more harmonious without this act.”
And Michael Bromley Gardner, clerk to Charlton Parish Council, said: “It is common knowledge that these performers make inflammatory and divisive statements including antisemitic sentiments during their acts.
“Charlton has experience of how clearly the spoken word over loudspeakers is heard in the village, after bad language/swearing at a music festival in Charlton Park last year was clearly heard in the village.
“It seems highly unlikely that Bob Vylan’s usual comments will not be equally clearly heard in Charlton, giving rise to public nuisance and harm to children.”
He added: “Cries of ‘Death to the IDF’ are a short step from ‘Globalise the Intifada’, and such sentiments have the power to spur on certain people to commit acts of violence. This could give rise to threats to public safety and crime and disorder in Charlton village, a short distance away.”
However, Wiltshire Police say they “do not intend to object to (the) licence application.”
Inspector Louis McCoy said: “On review of the event management plan and associated documents, the event presents as professionally run and during the 2025 festival there were no incidents of concern that presented.
“There is no information or intelligence that I am aware of concerning any public disorder at Shindig as a result of this act’s appearance.
“Intelligence will be continued to be reviewed leading up to the event and the local policing team are fully briefed.”
The council committee will also consider 14 submitted statements in support of the festival. Representative is one that reads: “Having attended Shindig Festival for a number of years, I can speak from direct personal experience when I say it stands apart from many events of its kind.
“The atmosphere is consistently welcoming and inclusive, the organisation is visibly thoughtful, and I have always felt it to be one of the safest and most peacefully run events I attend.
“I understand that the relevant licensing objectives cover public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
“In my experience, Shindig is run in a manner that is entirely consistent with each of those objectives — not merely by avoiding problems, but by actively fostering an environment where people of all backgrounds can enjoy themselves responsibly and without incident.”
Members of the Northern Area Licensing Committee will also consider 14 statements submitted in support of the festival. One reads: “Having attended Shindig Festival for a number of years, I can speak from direct personal experience when I say it stands apart from many events of its kind.
“The atmosphere is consistently welcoming and inclusive, the organisation is visibly thoughtful, and I have always felt it to be one of the safest and most peacefully run events I attend.
“I understand that the relevant licensing objectives cover public safety, the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
“In my experience, Shindig is run in a manner that is entirely consistent with each of those objectives — not merely by avoiding problems, but by actively fostering an environment where people of all backgrounds can enjoy themselves responsibly and without incident.”
Members of the committee have a number of options, including revoking the licence, modifying existing licensing conditions, or taking no further action.