Festival to go ahead after Bob Vylan row

A festival will go ahead with controversial punk-rap band Bob Vylan as headliners after councillors chose not to revoke its licence.

A Wiltshire Council review committee on Monday decided Shindig Festival could take place this weekend at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury.

Concerns had been raised about disorder and public safety following the booking of Bob Vylan, who drew criticism last summer after leading a chant of "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)" at Glastonbury Festival.

Outside the hearing, festival co-director Simon Clarke said: "We have been facing censorship, stood our ground, and stand by our robust safety measures."

Councillors met to discuss an application to amend the festival's licence after a complaint by the South Cotswold Conservative Association, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Elizabeth Threlfall said the inclusion of Bob Vylan on the "bill is a mistake".

She said Wiltshire Council, as the licensing authority, had a duty to protect children.

"Bob Vylan are an offensive act," she told the hearing.

"Violent views are part of their unique selling point."

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.

Shindig's lawyer Matthew Phipps said contractual measures had been put in place to ensure the artist did not breach the festival's licensing conditions.

"Having a provocative and antagonistic performer is not illegal," he said.

"If that were the test, then no licensed premises would be granted permissions."

Following an hour-long deliberation, the committee decided not to revoke Shindig's licence or to add any further conditions to it.

In a statement, the duo previously said they were "incredibly excited" to headline the festival.

"We look forward to sharing the same love, truth and energy that our live shows are known for," they added.

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