Shambala 2010!

In England summer brings out Pimms, people praying for sun and festival season. Weekends in June through the end of August are buzzing with music festivals of all sorts. From the large events such as Glastonbury, V Festival and Reading to smaller gatherings such as Hop Farm, Secret Garden Party and Shambala people gather to escape work, camp and enjoy dancing to a variety of artists.

I love music festivals. I spent many weekends at The George growing up and experienced Isle of Wight a few years ago. This summer I was determined to attend another festival. The question was, which one? Not having much money or holiday time, I immediately ruled out the larger ones. I hoped to go to Secret Garden Party as I hear its incredible and I knew many people going, but that didn't happen. Instead, the last weekend of August which happens to be a bank holiday (or 3 day) weekend I made it to Shambala!

The original plan was to cycle to this festival 120 miles away in Northampton with a few others over two days. I was excited but a bit worried as I hadn't trained enough, and then Tom came down with tonsillitis a few days before we were supposed go. I looked like the festival was off.

By Saturday Tom felt better and that morning the sun was out. We called our friends at the festival who said they were having a great time and the drive only took three hours. The choice was easy. Tom and I packed camping stuff for a couple of nights, some clothes and away we drove. We arrived in time to enjoy the music Saturday night and to have a full day at the festival on Sunday.

It surprised me how family orientated this festival is with kids running around everywhere. There's a play area just for kids with port-a-potties only they can use. Shambala is also very hippy with all sorts of weird earthy tents. In the arts and crafts area we wove wicker baskets, but missed out on tents teaching people silver casting, some sort of leather making and headband creating among other things. I soon understood this place is a kids dreamland. When I realised I missed the yoga and pilates classes I was very disappointed. Plenty of vegetarian food was being sold, although Shaun did most of our cooking for us. Also, the festival was powered by sustainable energy, in one tent the music was powered by people cycling and the other music tents were powered by the sun, wind and vegetable oil.

Of course, I can't forget to mention the music. Over 200 acts performed over the weekend. My favorite was definitely Yes Sir Boss. Tom loved the beats from MC Xander. I enjoyed that there weren't many big names playing over the weekend. Instead we enjoyed many up and coming groups, some of which I can't remember their names if I ever knew them, oops.