Four Days of Magic & Marvellous Madness

If you’ve never been to Shambala Festival, imagine a colourful, creative utopia where music, art and kindness collide in the most magical way. From secret woodland parties to spectacular parades, delicious food, and the friendliest faces you’ll ever meet, it’s no wonder Shambala is one of the UK’s best family-friendly festivals.

This year was extra special for me - four days of creating portraits, and soaking up the wild, joyful spirit that makes Shambala so unique. So if you’re curious about what makes Shambala Festival so magical or just love hearing real festival stories (complete with onions, frogs and a Fat Dog set that kept me up past bedtime), then you’re in the right place!

Well, here’s a summary of my adventures in utopia:

💍 Engagements, weddings + anniversaries : Shambala is a love-filled playground. From fresh proposals to couples returning with wedding plans, the festival is full of beautiful milestones. Yes, I cried more than once.

💕 Families, old + new : As a face painter and portrait artist, one of my favourite things is seeing families come back year after year. Shambala is famous for being a family-friendly festival, and it shows. Absolute legends, every one of them.

🍕 Kindness is everywhere : Generosity at Shambala is infectious. It’s woven into the festival atmosphere - in the air, in the smiles, in the random acts of kindness that make the weekend unforgettable.

🔥 Family Phoenix : My Shambala highlight for the third year in a row. Painting this amazing family and hearing their stories is pure magic. Watching the kids grow each summer is a joy, (cue more tears)

🐸 The frog takeover : Who knew frogs would become the unofficial Shambala mascot of 2025? Frog signs, frog chats… even whispers of a frog tattoo 👀.

🤗 Hugs heal everything : When I was flagging or feeling guilty for not “partying hard”, hugs from festival friends + customers alike lifted my spirits. Proof that Shambala is as much about the people as it is about the music.

🎨 So. Many. Faces! : From green + glitter-drenched flamboyance, to crazy + colourful fancy dress costumes, every portrait Shambala was a highlight for me!

🐾 Pets, Pets, Pets : Alongside festival-goers, I also painted beloved cats, dogs and even a memorial portrait of a horse. Oh! and a cute peanut mascot 🥜

🧅 Bahjis for days : The legendary Dosa Nation bahji bowl fuelled me on Friday (though it also fuelled a few onion-farts in Buddy that night too).

🥧 Second dinner dreams : Thank you Pieminister for the ultimate late-night festival feast. The Big Cheese pie with all the trimmings = perfect festival fuel.

💬 Deep + meaningfuls : Shambala is the kind of place where you pour your heart out to strangers and walk away feeling like lifelong friends.

🛌 Sleep > FOMO : Most nights I was in bed by 10pm. At first, I felt lame… but actually, prioritising rest at a busy festival was the best choice I could have made.

🐕 Except for Fat Dog night : That set? Worth every second of staying up 🤘🏻

🎨 A portrait from Bodie : Our tiny, talented neighbour (hope I spelt that right, Sophie Nina!) gifted us our very own drawing. A Shambala souvenir I’ll treasure.

🦊 Crafty Fox crew : Being part of the Crafty Fox family is such a joy. The colour, creativity and kindness is off the scale. LOVE YOU GUYS!

😭 Happy tears on repeat : Whether it was hugs, chats or portraits, the whole festival hit me right in the feels (in the very best way).

🥰 Festival fave : Four glorious days with my Emski! Couldn’t do this fantastically frantic festival without YOU!

Shambala really does have it all – from incredible food stalls and eco-conscious vibes to family-friendly fun and unforgettable music. It’s not just a festival; it’s Utopia.