Why Glastonbury’s Shangri-La is dramatically reinventing itself for 2025

Shangri-La is undergoing a significant transformation this year, moving away from its previous themes and embracing ‘The Wilding’. After two years of critiquing consumerism with ‘Everything Must Go’, the festival is starting fresh with a focus on new beginnings and solutions. The creative director, Kaye Dunnings, highlights the shift towards celebrating real-life connections and analog experiences.

The reimagining of Shangri-La involves a complete overhaul, including a new communication strategy through a mailing list called ‘Sign up for joy!’. This change signifies a move towards curated updates away from the noise of online platforms. The festival is embarking on a multi-year vision, with plans to delve deeper into the themes introduced this year in the following editions.

The new direction for Shangri-La aims to bring back a sense of discovery and magic, distinct from the digital world. The organizers are redesigning the space to encourage exploration and offer varied experiences for visitors. The focus on physical connections over social media reflects a desire to create meaningful interactions and moments, as seen in the hand-crafted announcement packages sent out.

Furthermore, Shangri-La is introducing four new music stages, each offering diverse lineups to cater to a wide range of tastes. The festival will continue to showcase various genres and artists, aiming to create an inclusive and exciting atmosphere for attendees. While the musical aspect remains essential, the essence of Shangri-La lies in its community spirit and unique vibe, which organizers are committed to preserving amidst the changes.