Shambhala is moving its 2020 date in the name of climate change

For the first time in its decades-long history, Shambhala Music Festival will be held in July.

2018 marked the worst fire season on record for British Columbia, home to the globally-renowned boutique festival experience called Shambhala. That’s why the independent music production company behind “Shambs” will be moving its dates forward by two weeks, according to festival founder Jimmy Bundschuh. He said it will ensure the music festival can deliver its guests the best possible experience and help the organization plan for the future.

“We stand at the precipice of a new era, that’s not lost on anyone in the Kootenays here in British Columbia,” said Bundschuh in a press release. “We know the planet is in a period of rapid transition and our date change is just one more reflection of our commitment to our guests and the music community as a whole. Our guests’ safety and security is our number one priority.”

The decision comes on the back of an ongoing conversation between Shambhala organizers, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, and the provincial government. According to the province of BC, there is a significantly lower risk of wildfire in July in the Kootenay and North Columbia regions of British Columbia as compared with August, particularly over the last decade. It’s a huge change for the festival, which has hosted its gathering on the second weekend of August for the past 22 years. But it a change based on Shambhala’s commitment to its attendees and Mother Earth, providing another shining example of the festival’s unique ethos.

The 23rd annual edition of Shambhala will take place July 24 – 27, 2020. Tickets go on sale September 16, 2019. View the formal announcement below.

Featured photo: DI Visuals.