Meat-free festival under fire over confusing plans to serve venison

Shambala festival, which has only served vegetarian and vegan food for the last decade, has opened discussions on whether it should allow vendors to sell venison at its 2026 edition.

Organisers of the Northamptonshire-based festival have proposed a ‘radical rethink’ on its veggie policy, citing deer numbers being at a ‘record high with no natural predators’.

It’s believed that the total number of wild deer in the UK is around two million, and that they have damaged up to a third of English woodlands, as per the BBC.

Shambala’s proposal is for one singular vendor to serve venison ‘culled as part of biodiversity protection efforts’ at the festival.

Bosses claimed that they would see whether donating a percentage of the trader’s profits to biodiversity initiatives was feasible, and possibly host a talk and workshop on the topic.

“We know that around a third of our audience are vegetarian or vegan,” wrote Shambala’s organisers.

“We also know that for many of our community, the ethics of choosing a meat-free lifestyle go far beyond environmental considerations.”

They continued: “We appreciate the fact that every trader at Shambala is fully meat free may be of huge importance to you – and we don’t want to overlook or minimise this. So, in true Shambala tradition, we want to put this decision in your hands.”

The question comes amid organisers’ concerns that deers are ‘stripping biodiversity, stalling forest regeneration and squeezing out countless native species’.

“Reducing deer numbers helps nature recover,” they added in an Instagram post. “Eating venison closes the loop - turning a problem into nourishment, and restoring balance in the process.”

It’s fair to say that the idea of wild UK venison being on offer at Shambala Festival 2026 has proved divisive, with one social media user writing: “Veggie/vegan based festivals are sacred! This seems like a tone deaf suggestion, ethically, spiritually and energetically - it totally compromises your ethos and integrity.

“If you’re not happy with the deer situation, search for a better solution, don’t propose it as a food option in the name of sustainability,” they added.

A second reported: “Choose love and be vegan. speciesism is low vibe and the root of all oppression.”

“No need! Vegan food is fulfilling, delicious and ethical - why change things? Please don’t let the animals down,” replied a third.

However, some are all for Shambala introducing a meat stand, with the official Pie Minister account writing: “Deer & Beer ftw xxx”

“As someone who lives 2 miles up the road from Shambala on a farm that produces local cattle to the festi, I personally think if it’s hyper locally sourced it’s better than shipping tofu from South America,” commented another.

“I love the food at Shambala and eat meat free lots but I think there is important nuance lost at being totally meat free and ignoring local sustainable agriculture.”

FOODbible has contacted Shambala Festival for comment.