Shambala Festival 2008

Shambala is a family orientated festival which is held at a secret location on Bank Holiday Weekend from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August with the site closing on Monday 25th at Midday.

For nine years, the same five friends behind Shambala have notoriously avoided pre-announcing their entertainment line-up. But for 2008, there are rumours of midnight 'Shambala Wilderness' woodland antics, crazy carnivals, roaming theatrics, psychedelic 60s/70s psych cult films, strange goings on in the Social Club (where Phoenix nights meets Cirque Du Soleil), plus, super sonic sound and laser installations.

The theme might be Tokyo Nights with a Kamikaze Kabaret big top, Roller Disco, Geisha Makeovers, Fat Suit Sumo Wrestling, karaoke, sake cocktails from a traditional cherry blossom bar watching contemporary circus performances (tightrope walking, stunning swinging trapeze, pole dancing).

Across 5 music stages Friday includes ska legends The Beat at the Shambala Stage as The Dome dance tent plays drum'nbass among electro, house and hip hop (The Nextmen and Kid Kanevil). At the Lakeside Stage (powered by the sun, or if Shambala isn't bathed in glorious sunshine, by a back-up bio-diesel generator) feel the Desert Groove Band's Saharan groove.

This small family-friendly green festival focuses on environmental issues and offers the chance to learn new skills and crafts like silver jewellery, a lantern, or a hobbyhorse. There are also independent films, workshops, talks and debates, comedy, a fresh organic market, fair trade coffee, practical demonstrations, speaker's corner, site art (an art trail and a range of get-involved sculptures), survival courses, a real ale and cider bar with a beer garden, multiple stages and lots of fancy dress. The line-up is rarely revealed beforehand but Bison have confirmed they will be there.

Kids activities include a full and diverse program of acivities for all ages, such as trampolines, inflatables, music workshops, circus skills, art tent with full programme each day, play equipment and swing-boats, festival newspaper team, puppet shows, cinema, co-operative games, a kitchen academy, DJing, magic, and even a bedtime story tent. Many activities will have themes around cultural awareness, and the environment.

Tickets have SOLD OUT. Tickets were priced as follows: Adult weekend £89, Child (5-17yrs) £25, Under 5's Free. Car Pass: £15. Live in Vehicles £25. Disabled carer ticket: Half price (proof of being registered as disabled is required (Blue badge). To buy tickets click here.

Tickets are e-tickets so ticket holders must make sure they have their PIN and password ready for entry. Routing passes must be placed in the windscreen before arrival on site.

Venue details aren't available until you buy a ticket and band line-ups aren't made public in advance. Ticket holders find out who's performing when they get there.

Campsites open on Thursday 21st August at 2pm. Gate arrival opening times are from 2pm until 10pm on Thursday. Friday: 8am - 10pm, Saturday: 8am - 10pm, Sunday: 8am - 10pm and Monday: 8am - Site closes Midday.

More information will be here when available.

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