Filed under: Reviews
Excited anticipation, I find, has a terrible habit of leading to disappointment but Shambala, in all it’s whimsical glory, exceeded my expectations.
To assimilate myself fully as member of the People’s Republic of Shambala I went for the whole four night, five day extravaganza. Less than 12 hours in, I’d already lost my programme, torn my trousers and forgotten that a world existed outside my new Shambalife.
Luckily for me, sans programme, Shambala is a little world that you really ought to just get stuck into and explore for yourself anyway. With every journey around the enchanting site you were sure to stumble upon some new discovery, be it The Roots Yard, or the secret tent that lurked just beyond the Shambala Stage… Surprises were abound and every fancy tickled by the array of workshops, events, music and roaming entertainment.
Somewhere along the way, I got caught up in what an unbelievably enthusiastic lady told me was a Shambala first: A flash mob dancing fandango led by a portable cart kitted out with an immense sound system – in a one-tune-only dance frenzy we were encouraged to let loose with our limbs and dance like we just discovered it, followed by a nonchalant walk away as if nothing had happened. Of course, there was no shortage of willing movers and shakers.
Shambala scored major points for commitment to participation. It seemed that every workshop, every show, every performance was eagerly attended and yet somehow, there was always space to dance and always room for just one more; the magic of the festival at work? The Wilderness Woodland truly epitomized this bewitching world with its lights and sculptural installations and on Saturday night, the eve of the carnival procession, there was no limit to the innovation and creativity that took hold of the whole site; a veritable feast for the eyes where every visual path presented not one, but a plentitude of jaw-dropping costume theatrics.
If I remember correctly the programme promoted the buying of drinks in the onsite bars to help keep the festie in pocket. Obviously eagerly in support of this, the well-lubricated punters at The Wonky Cock Country Pub had managed to drink it dry by Sunday night. That’s dedication for you. Sunday early evening, when the rains came, a band on the Shambala Stage acknowledged this defiant spirit, congratulating the committed folk dancing in the rain for their resolute stamina.
I was bowled over by many other contributory efforts, particularly in Wandering Word when Undercover Hippy took to the stage for an impromptu freestyle set, plucking words from the audience and transforming them into funky grooves to keep us titillated between billed acts. The Carnival Collective also deserve praise for drawing in the crowds and making the earth move with their foot-stomping, invigorating beats – they sent us soaring into the dizzy heights of Sunday night.
I fear I cannot encapsulate all the music, magic and mayhem that was Shambala, even utilising 20 hours a day I couldn’t fit it all in. Though the location itself was not massive, the world within knew no boundaries. Perhaps the best way to describe it is a heady mix of Sunrise Celebrations and Secret Garden Party, with elements of each combining to create a wholly unique other.
(Cassidie Alder)
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
