SHAMBALA: THE UK’S FIRST EMPLOYEE-OWNED FESTIVAL.

We’re incredibly proud and a little emotional to announce that - as of today - Shambala is owned by the staff team that live and breathe it, all year round.

This is a first for UK festivals, and shows an ethical, people-first alternative to the creeping, corporate consolidation of the festival industry by major conglomerates.

After 26 years of hard grafting and big dreaming, founders Chris, Dan, Jon, Oli & Sid have stepped away from ownership - handing over their festival baby to the team that work year round to make it happen: Sarah, Abi, Karen, Becka, George, Judy, Amia, Tash, James, Janine, Oriana, Andrew & Ellie.

Placing ownership in the hands of our employees, via an Employee Ownership Trust, ensures that our founding ethos - creativity, sustainability, independence and community - remains protected for years to come.

As for the founders? They’re not going far, they’ll be on hand to steward, advise and mentor - but eventually, we’ll be telling them to turn their radios off, kick back, cut loose and enjoy the party. We’ve got this, lads.

Tonight, we’ll be raising a glass with our team, to radical independence, to friendship, and to our continuing adventures in utopia.

Viva Shambala! X

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