The ACA is intended for disabled people who would find it difficult to camp in the main public camping areas, crew campsite or traders pitches. It is located close to the arena and is laid out to allow clear access into tents. The area is flat with wheelchair accessible toilets and showers and an accessibility aid charging point inside a marquee. Access is controlled by wristband with 24-hour stewarding so it is less busy than the public areas. The ACA is a calm, friendly space and many people treat it as a refuge away from the bustle of the festival. We also have our own communal fire for everyone to enjoy.
The ACA is located close to the main stage and arena, so loud music can be heard until late into the night.
We accommodate tents, camper vans and caravans in the ACA. You can bring your car into the campsite to unload, with parking spaces a short distance away. Any eligible person wanting to bring a camper van, caravan or car, free of charge, to the Accessible Camping Area, must again make an application via the link.
Some luxury camping suppliers can supply tents, Bell Tents and Yurts to the Accessible Camping Area, Fred’s Yurts can supply tents fitted out with entry ramps and with full, wooden bed frames (as opposed to airbeds on the floor of the structure). You can book here, but please drop them a line first at jess@yurtevents.co.uk to discuss your needs.
Disabled people are of course free to camp in any of the public areas. If you are not sure where to camp, please contact us and we will try to advise you. You are welcome to use the facilities in the ACA without camping there. You can also park in the accessible parking area and get a lift to your campsite. For disabled people who arrive by public transport, Shambala provides free support to get bags from Green Gate (drop off point for public transport and coaches) to their camping spot.
If you decide to camp in one of the general public camping areas and have any medical needs or have brought medical equipment with you, please come to visit us and the medical crew so that we are aware of where you are camped and how we can help you should the need arise.
As the ACA is tailored to suit the needs of those camping there, we ask people to apply for the ACA in advance. The application form can be found below. Please note that the cut off date for applications is 1st August. Although we do our utmost to fit everyone in, we cannot guarantee a space to people who apply after this date. Sometimes people only realise that they need to camp in the ACA once they get to the festival, if this happens to you, please come to see us and we will try to help where possible.
The ACA is for use by people who are disabled under the terms of the Equality Act 2010. Temporary injuries and pregnancy are not regarded as disability. If you are not sure whether the ACA is the place for you, please email us on accessibility@shambalafestival.org and we will try to advise you.