Thousands Enjoy Shambala Festival at Kelmarsh Hall

Thousands of people attended this year’s Shambala Festival at Kelmarsh Hall, with four days of live music, performances, workshops, political debate and family entertainment.

The festival featured more than 700 artists and performers across 35 venues, ranging from local groups and collectives to international acts.

Musical highlights included the return of Bob Vylan, alongside Swedish psychedelic rock group Goat, Senegalese legends Orchestra Baobab and South African group BCUC.

The Selecter, Los Bitchos, Hollie Cook, Emma-Jean Thackray, Nubiyan Twist and Paranoid London were also among the performers.

Pic: Jessie Myers

Music was joined by a wide range of activities, including African drumming, natural dyeing, blacksmithing, yoga, sound baths and workshops.

Political discussions covered subjects including climate activism, racial justice, anti-fascism, drug policy reform and the future of food and farming.

Becca Whiteley, Shambala’s Communications Director told HFM the festival has evolved into a family event over time:

Pic: Ezekiel Arzac

The festival’s performance programme included circus, cabaret, puppetry and immersive performances, while thousands of people also took part in the annual Carnival.

This year’s Carnival theme was ‘Lyrical Genius’, with festivalgoers creating costumes inspired by song lyrics.

A number of traders from the Market Harborough area had stalls at the festival, alongside several community groups.

Tim French runs a regular Community Cafe in Arthingworth, supporting activities in the village and surrounding area. He’s been taking the cafe to Shambala for many years.

He spoke to HFM’s Moley:

Pic: Jessie Myers

The weekend also marked a significant year for Shambala, after the festival became the UK’s first employee-owned festival in April.

Organisers say the move is part of Shambala’s long-running commitment to doing things differently, including its use of renewable power and efforts to reduce waste and fund environmental projects.

Despite spells of rain, the festival ended with its traditional closing fireworks display.