Shambala has revealed its full lineup and stage splits ahead of its 25th anniversary. Ninja Tune stalwart Romare will deliver a DJ set masterclass, fusing his signature mix of jazz, funk, soul, and global rhythms. Distinctive UK grime voice, Manga Saint Hilare, and genre-melting turntablist DJ Yoda also joins the pack, along with New Zealand’s electronic powerhouse Lady Shaka. UK breakbeat legends Freestylers and bassline veterans Dub Pistols will also face off in a titanic soundclash.
Other additions include Nubiyan Twist Soundsystem, which promises a brass-heavy, sunshine-soaked performance, and Daraa Tribes will bring their electrifying fusion of ancestral sounds and Saharan Blues. Folk-punk troubadour Grace Petrie and Berlin-based jazz-rap breakout Sorvina also join the lineup.
Saffron Records, a music tech initiative addressing the music business’s gender imbalance, will take over The Next Stage to spotlight cutting-edge artists inda Flo, Em Williams, LCN and ohmydais. The lineup also bridges nearly a century of generations, including viral 80-year-old Benju virtuoso Ustad Noor Bakhsh at the top end, and 8-year-old DJ prodigy Youngalist at the other.
New lineup additions join heavy-hitters Digable Planets (a UK festival exclusive), chaotic post-punk favourites Fat Dog, fast-rising Manchester DnB MC OneDa, blues-tinged trance rockers My Baby, future ghetto funk star Moonchild Sanelly and East End storyteller Hak Baker – all announced in February.
The festival will also host spoken word performances from Lemn Sissay and Vanessa Kisuule, and a dose of political satire and activism with Led By Donkeys. Longtime Shambala favourite, Jess Thom (aka Touretteshero), will also host ‘The We Are Here!’ cabaret, celebrating disability culture, creativity and resistance.
For the movers and shakers, there’ll be dance workshops in a variety of styles (hip hop, salsa, Bhangra) ahead of Saturday’s fancy dress carnival, themed ‘pun intended’. Shambala’s wild twist on Olympic sports, theShambolympics makes a comeback. The Healing Meadow also returns in full bloom, hosting daily yoga, breathwork, gong baths and massage.
Chris Johnson, Shambala’s Director & Co-Founder, said: “We started as a bunch of 100 mates in a field, with a farmer’s trailer for a stage. It’s been an amazing journey and life experience – a privilege to be part of a radical community who know how to have a wild time and stand 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!”
In a UK first, Shambala becomes the only festival where 100% of gas used onsite for cooking and showers will be biogas made from UK-sourced byproducts. A pioneer in green principles and practices, Shambala has reduced its carbon footprint by over 90% since it began in 2000. The festival runs entirely on renewable energy, has eliminated single-use plastics, as well as being completely meat and fish-free. Festival-goers are also encouraged to travel green and leave no trace.
Meanwhile, the festival’s industry-leading Pay It Forward: Share The Love initiative is now open. The scheme ensures that the magic of Shambala is accessible to all, having raised over £43,000 to date to cover not only tickets, but also food, travel, and accommodation for those who might not be financially able to attend. Applications are open for Pay It Forwards Tickets here to anyone in receipt of Cost of Living payments.
