25th-28th August 2011, Northamptonshire
The summer festival season may be flashing before your very eyes, but there is one festival taking place this month that is well worth your consideration.
Shambala has long been a favourite of Sheffield festival goers due to its tranquil location, party atmosphere and fancy dress silliness, as well as its close proximity to the city. This year the festival offers 200 musical acts across 12 live stages, on top of cabaret, stand-up comedy, talks and debates, circus acts, art installations, pyrotechnics, workshops, live film scores and interactive theatre. They even have a talent contest called the S Factor.
Dubbed “as close as the UK gets to Burning Man style madness” by the Guardian, Shambala takes place on four days over the August bank holiday, which this year falls on 25th-28th, at an undisclosed location in rural Northamptonshire. A real mix of acts have been confirmed so far, including the likes of trip hop pioneers Lamb, reggae heavyweight Johnny Clarke, the Bollywood Brass Band, Red Snapper and original junglist Congo Natty, who will appear with Tenor Fly. The acoustic tent will house performances from Willy Mason, the 17 Hippies, Beth Rowley and Nick Harper.
There are six themed bars serving a total of 50 real ales, ciders and cocktails, including Caribbean disco venue The Calypso. Food from all over the world is also sold at reasonable prices.
As if that wasn’t enough, Shambala is 99% powered by wind, sun and waste vegetable oil and was recently named the UK’s greenest outdoor event by both Industry Green and A Greener Festival. It’s completely independent and will stay that way.
Tickets are priced at £119 for adults, £79 for 15-to-17-year-olds and £29 for kids. Snap yours up here
Coaches and guided cycle rides are available from a number of major cities, so no excuse for driving!
