Stop Press The Results Are In!

The Big Annual Debate- Analysis

Every year we send all ticket buyers and crew a questionnaire to find out what thoughts they had about the previous years' event.  We ask loads of questions covering the programme, facilities on site, what you loved and what you feel needs improving for next year.  This feedback is important for so many reasons, but first and foremost it's your festival, so you should decide what you want to see, hear and even eat!  By listening and acting on your feedback we hope to make Shambala one of the best weekends of the summer- it's a partnership.

Sifting through the thousands of comments about last year's festival what struck us was the recurring words that came up time and time again- "people," "friends," "atmosphere," "music," "small," "intimate," "diverse" and "ethos"- these words literally appear hundreds of times.  Shambala is about you the people that come and make it what it is.  We merely provide a blank canvas, a beautiful space and the environment where you can be whoever you want to be.

So, all in all, 2010 saw lots of very happy campers in spite of the adverse weather conditions we experienced during the build and the weekend's festivities.  The Great British Summer weather did its very best to scupper last year's fun.  Whilst we generally triumphed in the face of adversity, getting through the mud to service the loos and showers was difficult and thus they were not up to our usual standards.  This year we will have more track-way, more loos (especially of the compost variety) and more showers so, whatever the weather, we will be ready... and the weather's going to be blazing hot!

A big bug bear amongst you this year was the amount of litter that was being dropped in the campsites and arenas.  So, to those of who had no regard to where they threw their waste, shame on you- there are no excuses not to dispose of your rubbish in the recycling bins provided throughout site!  This year we will be more vigilant with litter bugs and will up the amount of bins and litter pickers on site.  However, it's also up to you guys to help us maintain the site and make sure we recycle as much as possible by separating your waste correctly.  If everyone does their bit we are well on the way to sorting out this issue.

So what can you expect at this year's event?

• A brilliantly diverse programme of entertainment rich in music, circus, cabaret, comedy and workshops.
• Even better facilities for families- see Family Info page.   
• An event that puts people before profit and that is 100% independent and free of any corporate influence.
• Commitment to continue making the festival a leader in best sustainability practices at outdoor events.
• More toilets and showers with access tracks to make sure they are clean at all times, whatever the weather.
• More warm and cosy venues at night to keep you bemused, amused and entertained.