Christopher BarrettShambala is set to become the first UK festival to use biogas to power all of its onsite gas-powered fixtures.
Founded 25 years ago by a team including current directors Sidharth Sharma and Chris Johnson, this year’s Shambala will become the only UK festival where 100% of gas used onsite for cooking and showers will be biogas made from UK-sourced byproducts. The rest of the festival will run on renewable energy.
The 15,000-capacity festival is entirely meat and fish-free, single-use plastic-free, and has cut its carbon footprint by over 90% since it began in 2000, according to its organisers.
The festival’s Pay It Forward: Share The Love initiative has raised more than £43,000 to date to cover not only tickets, but also food, travel, and accommodation for those who might not be financially able to attend. Applications are open to anyone in receipt of Cost of Living payments.
This year’s Shambala will see the launch of three new performance areas, the largest of the three The Next Stage will feature a new structure manufactured by StageModes, in collaboration with Intent production. The area will have a 1,500 capacity and include a varied lineup if acts spanning punk, techno, soul, funk, and drum and bass.
Due to take place on 21-24 August, Shambala’s 35 stages and venues will this year feature a line up of talent including Romare, Manga Saint Hilare, DJ Yoda and Lady Shaka.
“We started as a bunch of 100 mates in a field, with a farmer’s trailer for a stage,” said Johnson. “It’s been an amazing journey and life experience – a privilege to be part of a radical community who know how to have a wild time and stand up for what matters in this crazy world. This year we will celebrate 25 years in style, with stacks of exciting changes. Expect an adventure.”