The Shambala Festival
What festival blog is without a festival review? Shambala Festival is a reasonably new, small, UK festival and personally I’m very keen to find out more about these smaller British gems. So here I will offer some insight into the Shambala festival and find out what makes it different from the rest.
The festival originated in 1999 where 150 attended, 12 years on, the festival is now host to around 10,000 punters and recently won the award for greenest festival in 2011!
The variety and quality of entertainment on offer is staggering for a festival of its size. With over 200 diverse musical acts across 12 live stages, world-class cabaret, an amazing array of workshops, stand-up comedy, inspirational talks and debates, jaw dropping circus and acrobatics, interactive theatre and nationally acclaimed poetry all housed in beautifully decorated venues. (http://www.shambalafestival.org/essential-info)Sounds extensive but besides some fantastic original acts is there anything else The Shambala Festival offers its punters?
Sunset over Shambala 2012 - 'we wanted to be the sky' by Phweb
'Tent City' by Welby at Shambala 2011
The answer is yes! There is a much clearer focus on direct action politics which means music isn’t simply the main focus. On the Saturday night the main acts and speakers headline the green venue and besides just playing music they host talks about wider issues. It is this added aspect which encourages an atmosphere of free thinking. Its a type of festival community that can make you feel part of something bigger than just yourself even if it is just for a couple of days.
The Shambala Festival also keeps the line up and exact location secret prior to the festival which again highlights the relaxed focus on the music. This isn’t to say the music is any less greater than those at other festivals but it is to say Shambala wants to promote other aspects and features it considers just as important. DIY crafts, politics, learning practical skills, independent films, talks and debates and sculpture and art are among those chosen aspects.
Some of the music genres selected for this small diverse festival are punk, rock, opera, folk and cultural. The music acts boast cutting edge talent and there is an abundance of new artists allowing the attendees to discover something fresh and new every time. There is also a general fancy dress evening on the Saturday. It seems these fancy dress shenanigans are becoming increasingly more popular across the festival board.
This festival provides a boundless attractive energy that will leave you feeling content and special. If you fancy something slightly different Shambala is the one to consider.
For more information on previous line ups, experiences and new additions to the 2012 Shambala Festival see: www.shambalafestival.org for more information.
The Shambala Festival will take place on 23rd-27th August 2012 and is based in Northamptonshire, see here for more information on: Tickets
Shambala 2010 putting on a show by oℓoid
