Shindig Festival Returns in 2025 After Announcing Closure

At the start of 2024, Shindig Festival was sadly announcing its closure. It further joins the long row of festivals across the industry that face overwhelming challenges left by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Association of Independent Festivals report, which came in 2023, one in six music festivals was forced to close down, while in 2024, 42 independent festivals went under. It became a sad trend that was not only affecting those whose livelihood depended on the industry but also numerous people who are culturally and communally anchored to festivals like Shindig.

The financial squeeze on independent festivals has become well-nigh unbearable. Soaring costs, high taxation, a lack of funding, and increasingly strict licensing have all taken their toll on smaller events. Large corporate festivals have continued to thrive, but many smaller ones have found it hard to survive.

When Shindig announced it was calling it a day, its future seemed no longer viable. But after financial difficulties had made the festival unsustainable, Shindig’s team took the time to reflect on why they started it in the first place. Festivals have never been about the music; they are movements of defiance-a celebration of culture, community, and creativity. They create a space for people to come together and share in the joy and memories. With that in mind, the question stood: Should Shindig join the statistics, or could it be a beacon in resistance and perseverance?

There was an opportunity to partner with a larger corporate festival company. But such a move was foreign to the team, who believed this would destroy what made Shindig special. Independent festivals provide something a bit different from their corporate counterparts—they are creative outlets that feed the soul and fostered close-knit communities. But Shindig has always been more than an event; it is a family bound together by shared values, joy, and spirit. So the team decided that Shindig would not disappear but rise from the ashes.

With renewed vigor and vision, Shindig announced its comeback-to return with fresh eyes and a wiser outlook, drawing from the spirit of the early days of the festival. Organizers attribute that to the loyal community the festival has managed to build over time for keeping the dream alive. The messages of support from fans caught the eye of a ticketing agent who valued independent festivals and gave Shindig the backing it needed for its revival. Special thanks went to SEE Tickets for believing in the festival, to every investor, to every ticket agency, and to anyone who keeps the independent festival scene alive and kicking.

Shindig is to move with the times and take the lead in a very different direction. Big changes are already afoot: a greener approach, a different programming style, an awareness of climate, and emerging talent scattered among timeless favorites. Festival-goers will enjoy striking art installations, new venues, and most excitingly of all, a brand-new location in the Cotswolds. This secret site promises the thrill of a new beginning while preserving that intimate, inclusive atmosphere that’s always been at the heart of Shindig.

Shindig says loud and clear: independent festivals are worth fighting for, and they do need their communities behind them to thrive.

Now, the attention of the letter goes to the fans of the festival-to keep supporting Shindig through buying tickets, spreading the word, and making 2025 a sell-out year. The determination of such festivals’ organizers proves that there is still life for an independent festival within the UK.

Shindig will return from 22nd – 25th May 2025, with all things community, creativity, and new beginnings being celebrated. This year’s festival will be funkier, fresher, and greener than ever.

Limited tier 1 tickets drop in October, early access 48hrs before general sale. Sign up and round up your mates to be part of the movement keeping independent festivals alive.