Shambala Festival returns to its 'secret location' in Northamptonshire this August (23rd - 27th) with four days packed full of creativity, frivolity and feel-good fun.
This year, in a dramatic move, Shambala will become the UK's first bottled-water-free festival. Shambala has won multiple awards for its environmental and sustainability policies over the years and is one of a handful of truly pioneering green festivals. Festival goers are being asked to bring a reusable bottle which they can refill with free filtered water available at all of bars on site, reducing waste by an estimated 10,000 plastic bottles.
Shambala has always been a party with a purpose, started by a 'motley collection of dreamers, thinkers, artists, radicals and romanticists' over a decade ago. Proudly independent and guided by the principle of getting better rather than bigger, Shambala maintains a capacity of around 10,000 people each year.
A true celebration of performance and ideas, Shambala is one giant, interactive theatre space where audience participation gets top billing. The Shambala programme features a diverse mix of music, theatre, cabaret, spoken word, circus, workshops, talks and debates.
Although it isn't a music festival, Shambala is a monumental party with a banging soundtrack! Favouring fresh acts from all over the world, with a few festival favourites thrown in for good measure, Shambala always hits the mark when it comes to line-up and this year sees Alice Russell, The Correspondents, Lou Rhodes, Calyx & Teebee FT. MC GQ, Courtney Pine, Californian reggae legends Groundation, Phaeleh, Jehst, Malian sensation Fatoumata Diawara and Mexican ska-punkers Los De Abajo on a bill of over 100 acts.
New for 2013, Shambala has also enlisted the support of party collectives Alfresco Disco, Ghetto Funk, Beyond The Stars, Swingamajig, UTC and Wonky Hi-Fi to produce venues. You'll find hidden venues and secret goings on abound at Shambala, a true reflection of the festival's playful and mischievous nature.
Shambala is predominantly a venue-based festival and this year there will be some noteworthy new additions including a giant tree house stage in the Enchanted Woodlands, a pirate ship on the lake and The Playhouse – an opulent theatre space featuring a programme of incredible theatre, stupefying circus, uproarious comedy and a whole host of visually stunning and thought provoking entertainment.
Back by popular demand are: The Social Club; The Healing Meadow; The Kamikaze Tent, Shambala's main dance music venue; The Wonky Cock, serving real ales and thought provoking debate; Chai Wallah's; The Emporium of Invaluable Insights; The Wandering Word featuring Slambala; Acoustic loveliness in Sankofa's; The Lost Picture Show Cinema Club; The Roots Yard; Compass Presents...and many more!
Shambala is also well established as one of the most family-friendly festivals in the UK with a vibrant kids field featuring a jam packed programme for kids of all ages; a family cabaret area; storytelling yurt; onsite creche; adventure bushcamp off site; wheelbarrows for transporting gear to and from the car; dedicated family camping field with hot showers and compost loos; tonnes of workshops for kids and a chilled out, communal vibe perfect for festival-ing families.
Every element of Shambala is designed with incredible attention to detail, creating a beautiful space to 'reinvent, revitalise and return to the world fuelled-up on the beauty of being alive.'
“Releasing your inner child is more or less compulsory at Shambala,” said Sid Sharma, Shambala Creative Director. “Our aim is to create a giant playground for everyone to enjoy, whatever your age or level of maturity! Leave your inhibitions at home, bring a show stopping fancy dress costume and enjoy the party!”
Tickets for Shambala Festival are priced at £129 + BF for adults, £79 + BF for teens (15-17) and £35 + BF for children (5-14). Children under five are free. To book tickets and for more info visit www.shambalafestival.org
Published on 18 April 2013 by Wayne Feltham
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