About us

What is Shindig?

Shindig is Worcestershire's rural and community touring scheme. It brings professional artists to village halls and community centres around the county, usually places which don't usually see live performances. There is a wide range of events for all ages, with performances ranging from comedy to cabaret, from dance to drama, from poetry to puppetry.

Why Shindig?

We called the scheme Shindig because each performance should be a celebration of what a community can achieve. The County and District Councils subsidise the performances and manage the scheme, enabling local communities to stage and promote a high-quality arts event.

How does it work?

Local promoters are given a "menu" of possible events of all shapes and sizes for which to bid. Once their bid is accepted and agreed, the promoter puts on a professional performance suited to their local venue and community and sells tickets to it. It's that simple. Well, almost. The finances are a little more complicated, but we make it as simple as possible and in most cases the promoter covers costs and the artist is paid a fee they are happy with.

What can I expect from a show?

First and foremost, expect a good night out without having to travel for miles. Every act that appears is carefully selected and programmed by Artservice (who co-ordinate the scheme) and is guaranteed to be top-notch. A Shindig performance is also a great opportunity to meet other people in the community and to see live arts in an unusual setting.

Who runs Shindig?

Shindig is an initiative of Worcestershire County Council and Arts Council England, West Midlands. It is managed by the County Arts Team in partnership with the county's District Councils. The practical co-ordination of Shindig is undertaken by the experienced team at Artservice, led by Sue Roberts.

When does the scheme run?

There are currently two seasons each year, usually September-January and February-May. Each contains over sixty performances. Most companies tour the county for a number of dates, although occasionally there are one-off appearances.

How do I get involved?

Come and join the shindig – search for events which take your fancy and ring the promoter to book your ticket. All venues have a commitment to provide access for people with a disability – some are further ahead than others. The promoter will be able to provide full details when booking.
To be a Shindig promoter – go to the venues/promoters page to find out more.

How much does it cost?

This depends on the show, but usually less than £10, thanks to subsidy from your local councils and of course the good rates we negotiate with our artists.