A SOMERSET music festival successfully held its first event at its new home at the end of May, almost three years after it was last able to go ahead.

Shindig Festival was held at the Dillington Estate near Ilminster for the first time between Thursday, May 26 and Sunday, May 29.

The family-friendly show's Dillington debut - which was the seventh edition of the festival - was pushed back by two years due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

There were 1,094 days between the last festival in 2019 and the new site opening this year.

Festival co-founder Will Lardner said this year's festival had “the most diverse line-up we've ever seen”. 

Featured acts included New York hip-hop trio De La Soul, acid jazz musician Roy Ayers, Glastonbury-bound DJ and producer Nightmares on Wax, seventies singing group Odyssey and the electifying Gospel House Choir.

A Shindig Festival spokesperson said: “The sun shone, the vibe was incredible as nearly 10,000 people enjoyed Shindig in its new stunning surroundings.

“World-class music, fantastic art installations and one of the friendliest crowds you'll find all go a long way to make the festival incredibly special.

“The feedback has been excellent.

“It's been a long time coming but it was worth the wait!”

Chard & Ilminster News: Gary Major and Caroline Andrews at Shindig Festival on Saturday, May 28. Picture: Steve RichardsonGary Major and Caroline Andrews at Shindig Festival on Saturday, May 28. Picture: Steve Richardson

The festival had a Mardi Gras theme, with Shindiggers encouraged to don their feathers and beads.

There were also art installations, fire-breathing sculptures, burlesque performances, and a performance from high-wire walker Chris Bullzini.

Shingdig's Kids' Kingdom offered young festivalgoers a skate ramp, crazy golf course, cinema, inflatables, and the return of the Flying Seagull Project.

There was also the option of hotel accommodation at Dillington House or boutique camping alongside the campsite accommodation included in ticket prices.

Chard and Ilminster News photographer Steve Richardson went to the Dillington Estate on Saturday to catch Shindiggers in action. 

Gallery: Shindig Festival at the Dillington Estate near Ilminster

Chard & Ilminster News: Lucy Ferris and Georgie Flawn in their Mardi Gras gear at Shindig Festival. Pictures: Steve RichardsonLucy Ferris and Georgie Flawn in their Mardi Gras gear at Shindig Festival. Pictures: Steve Richardson

Chard & Ilminster News: Ben Seabourne and Emma Martin.Ben Seabourne and Emma Martin.

Chard & Ilminster News: Richard Hale and Jess Brown.Richard Hale and Jess Brown.

Chard & Ilminster News: Paul Crosby, Jasper Crosby, and JJ Swift.Paul Crosby, Jasper Crosby, and JJ Swift.

Chard & Ilminster News: Steve and Louie Scott in the South Somerset sunshine.Steve and Louie Scott in the South Somerset sunshine.

Chard & Ilminster News: Martha Robertson-Hook and Jeff Hook.Martha Robertson-Hook and Jeff Hook.

Chard & Ilminster News: Libby Talbot and Posy Neil.Libby Talbot and Posy Neil.

Chard & Ilminster News: Shindiggers make the most of the weekend's sunshine.Shindiggers make the most of the weekend's sunshine.

Chard & Ilminster News: Nearly 10,000 people attended the festival near Ilminster.Nearly 10,000 people attended the festival near Ilminster.

Chard & Ilminster News: The festival said feedback to this year's event has been "excellent".The festival said feedback to this year's event has been "excellent".

Chard & Ilminster News: There were a range of activities for adults and children alongside the live music.There were a range of activities for adults and children alongside the live music. (Image: Steve Richardson)

Chard & Ilminster News: Shindig Festival arrived at its new home just over 1,000 days since its last event. Shindig Festival arrived at its new home just over 1,000 days since its last event. (Image: Steve Richardson)