Skip to Main Content

Where is Shambala festival?

Shambala’s site is on a beautiful, secret, country estate in the heart of the Northamptonshire, with stunning lakes, lush flat fields, woodlands and meadows. The exact address is sent out to ticket buyers in advance of the festival – but if you need a vague location, it’s not far from Market Harborough!

When is Shambala Festival?

Every year, Shambala takes place on the August bank holiday – so for 2025, it takes place from the 21st – 24th August

Where can I buy tickets for Shambala Festival?

The Ticket Sellers are our only ticket agent – you can buy tickets from them, here.

How big is Shambala Festival?

Not very big! We’re a comparatively small festival – with between 14,000 – 15,000 public adults (plus kids)

Is Shambala family friendly?

Very! We’ve even been named the best family festival in the UK. Dig into more of our family information here. However, unlike some festivals, this is a family-friendly festival, not a families-only festival. 

Are there showers at Shambala, and how much do they cost?

Yep, there’s hot shower blocks all around the site, and they’re included in your ticket price – no extra charges to keep yourself clean!

Can we buy water at Shambala Festival?

We banned the sale of single use plastic bottles at Shambala over a decade ago – instead, we ask our audience to bring their own bottles (and mugs for hot drinks). There are HEAPS of fresh drinking water taps around the campsites and the festival arena, so you can stay hydrated for free. 

When does the music go on until?

Late! We run until about 5am each morning (even on the Sunday) but this is in  the main arena – you can still get a decent nights kip in our campsites, don’t you worry.

How many tents are left behind at Shambala?

Usually, none, because our audience are diamonds. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, not one single tent was left. In 2024, ONE PERSON LEFT A TENT! FOR SHAME! But seriously please do take your tents home.

Can you have campfires in the campsites at Shambala Festival?

Yep! After good behaviour over the last few years, we have been allowed by the estate to have fires in the campsites and camper-van fields. Fires must be:

  • Off the ground (i.e. in a fire-wok)
  • 2m from any tent and 3m from any vehicle
  • Attended at all times and kept well away from gas canisters and cookers
  • Campsite Stewards will put out any fires which are not off the ground

Firewood is on sale at Public Info from 9am – 7pm daily. The firewood is sustainably harvested from the Estate and all profits made will go towards managing the Estate’s woodland. Please do not scavenge wood from surrounding areas as they form valuable habitats. Please take note of the fire points (fire towers and Camp Hubs) and return used gas canisters from camping stoves to the Recycling Exchange for disposal and recycling.

Is Shambala Festival cash free/card only?

Our food and market traders do accept cash (as well contactless card payments, including chip and pin processing and mobile phone activated payments such as Apple pay). However please note that our bars, official merchandise points and the public info point do not accept cash – just card payments. 

Are there cash machines at Shambala?

There will be on-site ATMs at Shambala, but cash-free contactless payments play an important role in improving security and safety for all and simplifying operations. Please choose contactless/card payments if you can!

What Accessibility services does Shambala offer?

We offer a lot of services to make Shambala as accessible as possible, from free PA tickets to Accessible Camping, BSL interpreters and more. To find out more and apply for our Accessibility services, head here.

Can you bring alcohol into Shambala?

Yep, and you can bring it into the ‘main arena’ too – though as an independent event, our bars are an important income stream – and they are brilliant so please do support them. Our bars serve over 50 draught lines – the finest ciders, ales, lagers and cocktails and we work hard to keep our pricing afforable compared to many festivals – with our pints under £6.

Can you bring meat and fish into Shambala?

Yes, if you must – but we’d rather you embraced our values and went veggie for the weekend – our food traders are banging and we’d wager you won’t miss it!

Are their secure lockers at Shambala?

Yep! Keep your valuables safe at the festival by using our secure lock up unit – provided by CND and run by volunteers with all income going to the campaign. You’ve got two options.

  • A4 envelope – car keys, passports, bank cards etc.
  • A shelf space suitable for one large rucksack, if you need more space than that simply buy a second space!

Lockers aren’t bookable in advance, just turn up on site to book yours!

If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, drop our team a line on enquiries@shambalafestival.org