The Wilding: A Theme for Renewal and Presence
Shangri-La announces 2025 vision, The radical Glastonbury arena returns with a striking new layout, new stages, and a theme focused on collective renewal and climate action. As one of the most politically charged and visually ambitious spaces at Worthy Farm, Shangri-La has never shied away from transformation — but 2025 marks its boldest reimagination yet.
This year’s theme, The Wilding, explores the interconnectedness of climate action, social justice, and collective consciousness. Inspired by the rewilding movement in ecological terms, it’s also a metaphor for unlearning, unbuilding, and rebelling against systems of control. The area invites Glastonbury attendees to “take up space, be truly present, and connect with each other and the earth” — a mission that echoes through every creative and musical element.
Expect a multisensory experience rooted in both protest and play: immersive art installations, curated panel talks, grassroots workshops, and performances that confront the climate emergency head-on, all set within a landscape that encourages community, release, and radical expression.
Four New Stages and a Singular Return
In 2025, Shangri-La’s layout gets a complete overhaul. The arena will be home to four new or rebranded stages, each reflecting a different facet of The Wilding’s philosophy. The team describes it as an “ecosystem” where each stage plays a role in a wider cultural and sonic environment.
Stages announced:
- The Nomad – a brand new, low-impact arena championing live electronic acts and hybrid DJ/live shows.
- The Oath – a heavy sound system stage supporting punk, metal, and underground hardcore music.
- Platform 23 – focused on experimental soundscapes, emerging artists, and collaborative audio-visual experiences.
- Rig It Back – a revival of classic UK rave culture, hosted on a hand-built DIY rig that nods to free party history.
Also returning is Sisterhood, the legendary women/trans/non-binary space that continues to serve as a vital sanctuary and celebration of gender freedom.
Shangri-La Main Stage Lineup
The new Nomad main stage leads this year’s lineup with an ambitious blend of live and electronic artists:
- Eliza Rose
- SHERELLE
- Bonobo (DJ set)
- Nia Archives
- TSHA
- Pangaea
- Call Super b2b Shanti Celeste
- Ahadadream
- Jasmine Infiniti
- Salute
- Yung Singh
- A.G.
- Manuka Honey
- Izco & Rocks FOE
These bookings reflect a balance of high-energy dancefloor appeal with deep cultural relevance, with many artists championing queer, global, and experimental electronic scenes. It’s one of Shangri-La’s most forward-facing lineups to date, reaffirming the area’s commitment to spotlighting marginalised voices in the club ecosystem.
A Sonic and Political Evolution
Since its founding in 2008, Shangri-La has been the subversive heart of Glastonbury — once known for its dystopian cityscapes, guerrilla art, and rebellious satire. Over the years, it’s evolved into a beacon of activism, now threading climate justice, anti-capitalism, and mental health into both its programming and physical design.
2025’s Wilding concept pushes that evolution further, moving beyond critique into regeneration. This isn’t just about resisting systems — it’s about building new ones. Audiences are invited to participate as much as observe: with speakers, collectives, and artists hosting workshops, talks, and late-night sessions across the area.
The DIY spirit remains central. From the grassroots crews who help construct the stages to the collectives behind the sound systems, Shangri-La continues to empower bottom-up cultural creation.
Past Legacy, Future Boundaries
Shangri-La’s legacy is legendary. It’s where The Clash’s Mick Jones once performed with Justice Tonight, where Banksy installations sat next to drum & bass tents, and where feminist techno collectives like SIREN have shared space with dub pioneers and punk reunions. It has long acted as a pressure valve — an escape, an amplifier, and a mirror to the outside world.
But this new version of Shangri-La is more than nostalgia. It’s looking forward, asking what resistance and joy look like in the next decade. The arena is both party and protest, spectacle and sanctuary. With the addition of The Nomad and new stages like The Oath and Platform 23, it expands its sonic spectrum while holding true to its roots in subculture and rebellion.
Where, When, and How to Experience It
Shangri-La is located in Glastonbury’s South East corner and runs each night from Thursday through Sunday. As usual, it comes alive after dark — transforming into a post-midnight haven for ravers, punks, queers, and misfits of every kind.
Note: Glastonbury 2025 is officially sold out. However, if you’re planning to be on-site or nearby, offsite accommodation is still available. For hotel and lodging options in the surrounding area, check Laterooms.com for remaining availability.
More Info and Full Lineups
Expect more announcements in the coming weeks for the remaining three stages.
These sites will also carry maps, artist times, and late-stage announcements leading into the festival weekend.
Conclusion: Shangri-La Reimagined
Shangri-La’s 2025 return is more than a new layout — it’s a cultural reset. At a time when nightlife spaces are under threat and climate urgency grows, this arena offers both release and resistance. With its new vision, The Wilding, it proves once again why it’s the beating heart of Glastonbury after dark — where the dancefloor becomes a battleground for joy, unity, and transformation.
This isn’t just another late-night zone — it’s a space where sound systems meet social movements, and where celebration is an act of defiance. Whether you’re raving under a new moon, listening to a climate activist speak, or catching an artist you’ve never heard of, Shangri-La offers a truly unique cultural experience. It challenges us not just to party — but to participate, reflect, and reimagine the future together.
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