For a good few years the August Bank Holiday has involved a lengthy drive to Cumbria for Solfest but this year we decided to stay a little closer to home in order to experience the wonderful Shambala for the first time. And what an excellent decision this turned out to be.

Although it’s been around for a good number of years now Shambala is still a relatively small event. But with so many different stages and quirky venues to explore it feels like a mini, albeit slightly more laid back, version of the Secret Garden Party. The main outdoor stage is the familiar purple Wango Stage I’ve seen at several events in the past. Although Lamb and Johnny Clarke were probably the only notable names to play here there was nevertheless a well selected, diverse and solid line up. The Kamikazee Stage had more of a dance orientated line up and our old friends Chai Wallahs had their usual eclectic mix of entertainment.

Away from the larger stages there were numerous smaller tents and yurts with plenty of additional entertainment and workshops. Worryingly our friend’s 6 year old daughter won 3rd prize at the cock drawing workshop in the Random tent. There was a beautifully lit wooded area to explore after dark and in the healing field there was a good selection of different types of massage to be had as well as life drawing sessions and foraging expeditions.

There was loads for the kids to do and a good selection of food outlets to cater for all tastes and not just the vegetarians as apparently used to be the case back in the early days of Shambala. Toilets were clean with relatively little queuing and some were of the compost variety. In fact the only slight downer was the weather which made conditions a little squidgy underfoot but even that dried up nicely on the Sunday. And as for the fancy dress - well Shambala is right up there with the best of them!