27 November 2025
Newsdesk
Shambala Festival is set to return for 2026, promising its most expansive and daring edition yet. Fresh from a sold-out 25th anniversary, the festival has unveiled a formidable first wave of artists that showcases its reputation for world-class, eclectic musical curation and adventurous spirit.
Leading the charge is the uncompromising punk-grime powerhouse Bob Vylan, returning after a blistering 2024 show to deliver their signature energy and activism. They are joined by a diverse collection of groundbreaking acts, including Mercury Prize-nominated jazz innovator Emma-Jean Thackray, psychedelic rock legends Goat, genre-defying collective Penguin Cafe, and 2 Tone trailblazers The Selecter.
The initial announcement also features fan favourites such as South African ritual jazz collective BCUC, reggae luminary Hollie Cook, dream pop group Night Tapes, and acclaimed poet-performer Joshua Idehen. This musical melange is just a fraction of the hundreds of names to be announced, spread across over 30 distinct stages and venues, from the Solasta main stage to beloved cultural hubs like Roots Corner and The Data Mine.
Shambala's Creative Director, Sidarth Sharma, emphasized that the curation is about "opening a doorway to extraordinary artists... cutting through the noise and ensure our audience experiences those rare, beautiful sonic surprises."
Beyond the music, Shambala continues to champion important voices, with political programming featuring MP and activist Zarah Sultana and performer Kate Ireland. A global leader in green practice and community impact, the festival is currently shortlisted for five UK Festival Awards, demonstrating its commitment to creativity, sustainability, and community at every turn.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets are now sold out, with Tier 3 tickets available for sale as the festival gears up for its most ambitious year yet.
