Christopher BarrettShambala Festival’s organisers are marking its 25th anniversary edition with the launch of three new venues.
The largest of the three performance areas, 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 showcase experimental sounds spanning punk, techno, soul, funk, and drum and bass.
The 15,000-capacity festival’s co-founder & director Chris Johnson said The Next Stage will feature an immersive 360 sound system: “Enveloping the audience in surround audio, lasers and lights, the stage will play host to the biggest rave on site.” The audio system is being supplied by Amber Audio in collaboration with d&b audiotechnik.
Also new this year at the Market Harborough event will be Sibín Beag, an “authentic Irish pub” that organisers said will feature old Irish music and storytelling, alongside the country’s emerging electronic and trad rave scene. Talu, a new folk venue, will host daytime workshops and discussions, and by night will be transformed into a platform for acoustic folk, blues, jazz and world roots music.
Johnson said that the festival’s Pay It Forward: Share The Love initiative will continue this year, with the aim of making sure Shambala is accessible to all. The scheme has raised more than £41,000 to date to cover tickets, but also food, travel, and accommodation for those who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend a festival.
Said Johnson, “We started as a bunch of about 100 mates in a field, with a farmers trailer for a stage. It’s been an amazing journey and life experience these past 25 years – and a privilege to be part of a radical and kind community of folks who know how to have a wild time whilst standing 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!”