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Kala 2023 local ticket pre-trip

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The time has finally arrived! Soon we will be finally en route to the long-awaited third edition of Kala. We cannot wait to spend a magical week with all of you on the sun-drenched beaches of the Albanian Riviera!

 

We have created this document so you have all the information you need ahead of your trip in one place. Please read through and if anything is still unclear drop us an email on hello@kala.al.

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Festival information

Wristband collection 

 

Head to the wristband collection desks, located just outside of the main festival entrance (E1 on the map). You will need your photo I.D and your e-ticket to collect your wristband as well as any cashless top up vouchers ready to be scanned. 

The wristband collection desks will be open during the below times:

Wednesday 31st May 14:00 - 02:00

Thursday 1st June 09:00 - 01:00

Friday 2nd June 10:00 - 22:00

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th June - 10:00 - 22:00

 

You can pick up your wristband from 14:00 on 31st May until 22:00 on 4th June

Each member of your group will need to come individually with ID, you cannot collect accreditation on anyone’s behalf. 

If you are arriving outside of these times, you will need to wait until the following day to collect your wristband, please aim for arrival within these timings.

Information point

The Customer Info desk is located outside of the main entrance to the festival site, behind the Grand Boutique Hotel. Head here for:


• Event information  
• Tickets for local activities like Gjipe Hike, Dhermi Village Tour, Boat trips & more

• To purchase a shuttle bus wristband 

• Customer service queries

Opening Times 

 

Wednesday: 14:00 - 02:00

Thursday: 10:00 - 01:00

Friday: 10:00 - 23:00

Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00

Monday 09:00- 18:00

Tuesday 09:00- 14:00


Contact details
 

Email: hello@kala.al                                                     

Customer service: +355 0692267615

Travel and accommodation emergency: +355 0696851877


Festival site

 

There are two entrances to the festival site:

The main entrance is by Grand Boutique Hotel - E1 on the map. The Customer Info cabin can be found before you reach the main entrance and will be signposted to your right. 


The second entrance to the festival site is by Splendor Hotel - E2 on the map.

Most of the restaurants are located by the main entrance along the water edge. You will also find a couple shops, an ATM and a currency exchange office in that area.

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Stages

There are four stages in Dhërmi plus Gjipe, which is outside the festival area that can only be accessed by boat.

Empire

Our main stage is a sprawling throwback to vintage open air clubbing with bars, a food area with incredible stone-oven pizzas, fresh fish and vegetables, a chill out area with day beds, its own private beach and a stunning mountain backdrop. This space will hold most of the live acts and extended DJ sets, as well as the wellness activities.

Splendor

A tranquil beach bar with sun beds surrounded by vegetation by day that becomes a buzzing open air club at night. This is the second biggest stage at Kala. On Friday and Saturday we will host special sunrise sets here.

 

The Cove


The Cove is an intimate beach spot a few steps away from the main entrance. You can swim in crystalline waters during the day, enjoy DJs and live bands at sunset, and dance the night away by the sea. If you want to hire a pedalo, this is your place!

Yacht Club

The Yacht club is a cozy late night club on a raised yacht-like terrace flanked by gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters. Expect amazing cocktails and chill out areas during the day, and a full clubbing experience at night. 

 

Gjipe

 

Gjipe is the hidden gem of the riviera. This natural canyon fenced by 40m high walls and turquoise waters is one of the most incredible locations you will ever dance at, and an experience you will surely remember for years to come.

 

Gjipe is only accessible by boat, thus requiring an extra ticket. It opens Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 12:00 - 18:30.

 

There are a handful of tickets left which will be available to book at the info point.

Music schedule

You can see the set times here. Please note they are subject to change. Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to be updated live.

House rules


Kala is a space for people to connect through music and shared experiences overseas. We welcome people from far and wide with open arms, regardless of races, genders or sexualities, as long as they come with a positive attitude.

 

Here are a few but essential house rules. Please read through: 

 

• Be inclusive:

 

People at Kala are free to dress how they want, be who they want to be and love who they want to love. We want everyone to be able to freely be themselves without judgment. Please look after each other, treat everyone with respect, embrace the openness and celebrate together.

 

If you suffer or witness any sexist, racist or homophobic behaviour, or someone or somehting is making you uncomfortable or vulnerable, please let us know. The welfare team will be on hand to help but you can reach out to any member of staff. Bar staff, security, DJs, we are all on the same team. Kala is a safe space and we'll protect it preciously.

 

• Be open:

 

At Kala you will be able to enjoy a wide and eclectic selection of artists. From the biggest international acts to obscure selectors and unsung local heroes, this is a great opportunity for you to discover new music, genres and artists.

 

If you see an act you haven't heard before playing a peak time slot, rest assured there are reasons for it. We put a lot of care on the programming and the music curation. Step out of your comfort zone, your new favorite act may be waiting there.

 

• Be present:

 

Kala is an escape from the everyday, make the best out of it. If you are on the dance floor, put your phone away. Dance, interact with the people around you, let loose and enjoy the moment. 

 

• Respect the locals

 

Remember that we are here as guests. Be kind to our hosts, keep the noise down outside the music venues, and leave the place in the same or better condition as it was when you arrived.

 

• Respect the environment

 

Be mindful of your surroundings and look after this place. We are incredibly lucky that we have the opportunity to spend a week here enjoying gorgeous beaches and our favourite music so don’t take it for granted. 

 

Having fun can be sustainable. Don't throw away your cigarette butts, use the recycling and waste bins provided, refuse plastic bags & straws from local shops & restaurants, collect any plastic you see on the beaches, and help us keep this beautiful place in pristine condition.

Anti-harassment - The Pink Team

Kala operates a zero tolerance policy towards any kind of harassment or violence whether it is racial, homophobic or gendered. 

 

Our Pink Team will be throughout the festival site, easily spotted with their bright pink armband. This team are a point of contact to our wonderful welfare team, if you ever feel uncomfortable in a situation, come to a member of our pink team and they can help by linking you assistance from our welfare or security team.

 

If you ever want to come and have a chat with our welfare team directly come to the terrace where you can have a chat about anything at all. 

 

We will take every report seriously and investigate fully, Kala is a safe space and we protect it preciously.

Getting around

 

 


Shuttle bus

If your accommodation is located outside the festival area you will need some sort of transportation to move between the festival and your accommodation.

We operate a shuttle bus service between Dhërmi and Drymades. The weekly pass costs only £28 per person and provides unlimited shuttles. You can get this in advance via manage booking (up to 48h before the festival) or at the Customer Info point for €35

If you book this in advance, you will be able to collect your shuttle pass wristband when you collect your festival wristband. If you want to purchase on site or are not travelling with us you will have to make your own way to the info point to get your shuttle pass wristband.

If you are unsure whether you need a shuttle pass, please check the accommodation map to see where your accommodation is located. Anything in Dhërmi is walking distance to the festival. Perivolos and Drymades areas will require a shuttle pass.


Shuttle times 

 

The shuttles will be looping continuously between the stops roughly every 20 – 30 mins. Shuttles will run from Wednesday the 31st at 16:00 through until 12:00 on Wednesday the 7th.

 

There are 4 shuttle stops between Dhërmi and Drymades, plus 4 on request stops where you will be able to get off the shuttle if you request so to the driver when you get on the bus. Note the shuttle won't be able to pick you up at those on request stops and you will have to walk to the nearest stop.

 

You will be able to collect your shuttle pass wristbands from the info point, you will not be allowed to board the shuttle if you have not collected your wristband ahead of time.

 

Taxis 

 

Alternatively, you can book a taxi to move between the festival and your accommodation. You can book an official festival taxi over WhatsApp on +355692391028. There will be two taxi ranks, one located next to Empire Hotel and one in Pirates Car Park (Shuttle Stop A).

 

Dhermi Beach to Drymades €15

Dhermi Beach to Dhermi Town €15

Dhermi Beach to Perivolo Street €10

Dhermi Beach to Himare €40

Dhermi Beach to Green Coast €30


Our shuttle bus and taxis will be branded so you know they are official. Please don’t walk home alone and don’t take unlicensed taxis. If you have any trouble finding transportation contact us and we will provide a trusted contact.

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Food and drink

Cashless bars and top up

We are operating a cashless system at Kala. It’s safer and easier than using your bank card or cash. It also means less queuing and more dancing. 

 

Your festival wristband will have an RFID chip that can be topped up and used like a prepaid bank card across all festival bars, the market area, the merch stand and selected restaurants. All prices will be in Euros.

 

You can top up your wristband by creating a cashless account either online before the festival, or at one of our top up stations across the festival site. These stations accept card payments only. When collecting your wristband any pre-loaded credit will be added at this point.

 

The top up stations will be busiest during the first few days. We advise topping up in advance online as much as you would like, as any leftover is refundable online after the festival. 

 

Please take a photo of the 6 digit code on the back of the RFID chip as this will be required to claim your refund - it is a good idea to have a record of it.

 

Refunds will open after the festival finishes on the 13th of June at 12 midday & the refund system will close on the 27th June at midnight. 

 

Please note there are some small fees to cover part of the costs of running the cashless system and the commissions charged by the credit card providers:

 

  • Activation fee: 1€

  • Refund fee: 1€

Opening hours

 

Top up stations will be located across the festival site and will operate from 11am - 5am.  The top up locations and opening hours are :

 

  • Empire: Thursday - Monday from 21:00h - 5:00

  • Splendor: Thursday - Monday from 21:00h - 5:00

  • Yacht club: Friday - Monday from 11:30h - 15:30

  • Cashless cabin, The Terrace: Wednesday - Tuesday from 11:00h - 4:00am 

 

What happens if I lose my wristband?

 

Your wristband should remain securely fastened to your wrist. There shouldn’t be any reason for you to remove it, until the event has ended. You should treat your wristband as you would cash or your bank card. 

 

From our experience, it’s very very rare for one of the wristbands to break. If you lose it, we won’t be able to recover any balance but if you have taken a photo of your 6 digit code on the back of the RFID chip you will be able to claim a refund after the festival.

 

Reusable cups

 

In order to reduce plastic waste, certain drinks such as spirits require you to buy a reusable cup the first time you order at the bar. 


Your first cup will cost 3€. Once you have your reusable cup, you will be able to use this cup for your drinks.You will be able to exchange your reusable cup for a cup token at any of the bars.

Next time you need a cup, you will be able to get a fresh one with your token at any festival bars. This will massively help us reduce the amount of plastic used at the event so please hold on to your cup for the night or exchange it for a cup token instead of disposing of it. Cups are not refundable.

 

Restaurants and bars

 

There are some great restaurants and bars in Dhërmi and Drymades. Albanian food is the meeting point between Italian, Turkish and Greek cuisines. Above all, pride is taken on the use of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Expect heavenly Mediterranean dishes, fresh salads, fish, pasta and delicious stone-oven pizzas.

Opening times are flexible and it is not rare to see some of them open until midnight.

 

Empire, Splendor, Lucianos, Gjipe, Grand Boutique, Dua, Chilli Peppers, Platinium, Pirate and onsite festival food traders and festival bars will be accepting RFID. All other restaurants accept cash and cards. Cash points are located on the map if required

 

Further afield we have Yamato (Drymades), Ulliri & Nazar (Palase) in our list of recommended restaurants. These are not part of the festival so will require cash/cards.

Activities

Gjipe

 

Gjipe is a secluded paradise only accessible by boat that sits at the end of a natural canyon fenced by impressive 30m cliffs, stunning beach caves and crystal clear waters where a cherry-picked selection of resident DJs play on rotation. 

 

This is not only one of the most incredible party locations you will ever dance at, but the perfect place to spend the day too. You can relax by the beach, dance at the forest or stroll along the canyon until you reach the enigmatic waterfall
 

You’ve probably heard loads about this hidden gem but it’s got to be experienced to be believed! 

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The canyon is only accessible by boat, thus requiring an extra ticket. It opens Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday between 12:00 - 18:30. 

 

Boats run every 30 - 45 minutes from the jetty at the far end of the Yacht club. 

 

Earliest departure: 12:00

Last departure to Gjipe: 14:30

All guests must be checked in for departure from Gjipe by 19:00

If you already have a ticket, you will be able to collect your wristband before boarding the boat with proof of ID and your e-ticket.

 

If you haven’t got a ticket yet, there are a handful of tickets left for some of the days that you can still book at the customer info cabin on site. 

 

DJs: Brian Not Brian, Jan Schulte, Jamie Tiller, John Gómez, Gabrielle Kwarteng and Nick The Record plus some very special secret guests will be playing at this stunning location!


Beachfront dining experiences

 

Our friends at Awakened Table will be taking over part of the riviera, a small bus journey away from the festival site, to bring you an unforgettable beachfront dining experience with a 6 course meal. You can expect community vibes, sunsets, delicious wine & most importantly incredible food cooked by our dedicated chefs.

 

You can book onto the beachfront Dining Experience at the info point if there are still spots left.
 

Wellness and spa 

There will be a whole host of wellness activities available at Kala to help soothe those aching limbs after a little too much dancing. We will run up to 5 sessions a day ranging from yoga to meditation, sound meditations and breathwork.

 

Our wellness activities start from £6, and 100% of the profits will be donated to SOS Children’s villages, a charity that provides homes, care and schooling for children in Albania.

 

Additionally, for 2023, we have added a range of poolside massage and spa treatments. These treatments start from £35 for a 30 minute treatment to £55 for 1 hour.

 

Places are limited so make sure to reserve your spot via the link below.

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Conditions of entry

 

Police processes

The laws in Albania are very similar to that of the EU, if you find yourself in any kind of trouble you should contact the relevant embassy for you. You should also check-out the latest advice on do’s and don’ts in Albania. For our British attendees, check out this link to the British Embassy.

Conditions of entry

  • The event is strictly an over 18's event

  • All admission is subject to search

  • The promoter reserves the right to refuse admission to any festival area

  • For promotion, safety & security reasons, customers may be filmed at any time. When entering Mainstage Festival’s venues you are agreeing to this condition of entry

  • Unauthorised photography, audio and video is strictly prohibited

  • Mainstage Festivals will not accept any responsibility for damages or loss sustained at the festival

  • Tickets are sold on the understanding that the event is subject to a license from the appropriate authorities

  • Security reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone wearing footwear deemed inappropriate for the environment

  • Swimming at night and jumping off boats may result in temporary or permanent eviction from the event

 

Prohibited items or any items that the Event or third parties acting on its behalf (such as security) deem to be either; a risk to the safety, security or enjoyment of others; unsuitable to be taken to the Event; or, may be used in an illegal or offensive manner (regardless of whether or not the item itself is illegal) are not permitted to be taken into any Venue or Stage.


 

Prohibited items

  • llegal drugs, New Psychoactive Substances and Nitrous Oxide

  • Glass

  • Spray paints and pens

  • Drones

  • Items that may be used in a dangerous manner including sharps/blades, tasers and CS gas

  • Animals (with the exception of approved assistance dogs)

  • Alcohol & Food Items

  • Private sound systems

  • Flares, bangers, fireworks, sparklers, Chinese lanterns and naked flames Inc. tea lights

  • No unauthorised professional commercial photography

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Talks and workshops

An exciting new addition for 2023 is our Talks & Workshops programme - we are excited to present a rich programme of speakers and topics to compliment our music programming. Our talks will be an opportunity for you to take some time off the dancefloor, and hear from some of music’s most important voices, as well as indulge in some mind-opening subject matter. Our range of topics will have something to suit everyone, and are completely free to attend. So sit back, unwind and join us.

 

Talks & Workshops take place at Empire everyday from Thursday-Tuesday during Kala from 3pm.

Holiday activities 

We have partnered with expert local tourist guides to offer a selection of the best holiday excursions in the area. 

 

  • Gjipe Hike and return by speedboat

  • Dhermi village tour

  • Speedboat to Gramma bay + BBQ lunch*

  • *Secret cave tour add on [in conjunction with the above]

 

These will be available to book on site on a first come first served basis. Head to the customer info point where we have a dedicated activity stand to find out more information. Please note, some of the activities have a minimum number of participants to be able to go ahead, please be patient with the team when dealing with your request. Kayaking is available for hire at Yacht Club.

 

And last but not least, Dhërmi offers some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.  Check out our beach guide.

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