Shambala

Shambala combines magic, mystery and mischief within a tiny and brilliantly crafted four days of alternative festival.

Shambala festival is not about big names or endorsement, so the music choice is thus democratic (through an open voting procedure for nine of the slots) and supposedly very eclectic. However, the stages were mostly filled with Ska or dubstep based acts, as opposed to a heavy mix of the alternative scene. Despite the abundance of the genre, one group which stood out particularly at the festival with their Ska based rap fusion were Welsh group, The Rude Em Outs. Mixing beat boxing, masterful vocals and heavy bass with jumping trumpet, their loud and feisty approach is a force to be reckoned with and to be watched out for in the future. Festival highlight, however, was a performance by the Resonators, a staggering statement of reggae vibes and perfect vocals.

Some of the most unique aspects of the festival were the cabaret and circus pieces which were running throughout the weekend. A fascinating part of the festival was the kitsch indoor cinema, featuring niche classic films and modern marvels such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rocky 3. With red velvet cushions and sofas, the scene was set with classically suited bartenders in the hide away. The Wandering Word tent held host to an interactive theatre piece by the Big Issue and some of the most mesmerizing poets around today. Introduced by Dreadlock Alien were the likes of Matt Windle and Stephen Morrison who gave goose bumps with their honest and beautifully abrasive poetry respectively. The fearless stylings of Morrison as he broke down the social stigma of bullies as opposed to the bullied was outstanding in his poetry.

To party hard all through the day and night, the Kamikaze tent offered limitless entertainment and major partying. The RFID tent (Recursive Function Immersive Dome) which “fuses live audio and visuals into a nucleus of sensory wonder” proved an interesting concept, leaving some of the more hard-core partiers’ mouths agape and limbs flailing. The most buzzing tent was the non-stop Reggae corner, running 24/7 with food and drinks such as “Sexy Juice” being served.

The variety of hands on workshops ranged from wicker baskets, leather and silver crafts and glitter make overs. Most of the walk in tents and activities were free with donations encouraged. Showers, hot tubs and saunas were available on site which made for peculiar social spots and a very relaxed carefree attitude with an emphasis on a casual state of undress.

A fancy-dress carnival ran through the fields mid festival, where the creative’s were in full force. A family featuring a father beekeeper and a wife and baby dressed as bees were epitomical of the vibe. There was a strong family feel with a quiet camping area provided, ample children’s entertainment and areas and pregnancy workshops. Childrens entertainment involved shire horses, animation workshops and slapstick clown shows, amongst a heavy mix of random props and activities.

The festival is all about discovery. You may well not have heard of many of the poets, comedians, DJs, projects and acts before, but after wandering around the surreal festival site you’ll be open to a whole world of unsigned and original acts. Gypsy Unit, Engine EarZ Experiment and Ghostpoet are all acts that must be Googled to the maximum after seeing them at Shambala.

The idealism was an interesting concept at the festival, where some (but not all) of the toilets were compost based and signs stating that 100% of the festival was run using renewable energy sources. However, the burning of a huge wooden animal mid festival was a little confusing, if a beautiful sight.

Depending on how much one can detach from their electronic, clothed, glitter free and environmentally unaware life, Shambala may be the festival to unwind even the most uptight individuals with its friendly atmosphere.