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Built by many, loved by many, owned by many!

We are incredibly proud and more than 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 that there is an ethical, people-first alternative to the creeping, corporate consolidation of the festival industry by major conglomerates.

What does this mean?

It means, that after 26 years of hard grafting, big dreaming and cat-herding, Shambala founders Chris, Dan, Jon, Oli & Sid have stepped away from ownership – handing over their beloved 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.

“All of us at Shambala have an emotional stake in what we have built over 25 years; now everyone has an ownership stake. We would be nothing without our people, and they deserve to carry on the Shambala legacy as beneficiaries.” – Chris, Co-Founder

Placing Shambala’s ownership in the hands of its employees, via an Employee Ownership Trust, ensures that its 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