Volunteering has several great advantages. Primarily, it fits into the whole ethos of a volunteer-run festival. Everyone working to produce the festival does so on a volunteer basis, and it is what bonds the team together. You can help by being a steward, a member of the task force (always welcomed!), Collectors or office and communications staff. Generally, we only ask just a few hours over the festival. You will be given a festival pass that allows you access into all events; providing there is room. Here are some of the things you might get to do in each of the areas.

Artists

We are not taking any more submissions for the 2013 Festival. The list will be open again sometime in September. — Thank You.

Stewards

This is our largest group of volunteers and is one of the most vital jobs too. Mainly, it will involve monitoring door entry and assisting ticket holders to get settled into the venue efficiently. In the event of emergency, you would play a vital role in clearing the venue safely. There will be some small amount of paperwork to do at each venue during the shift. We always try, as much as possible, to put you where you would like to be and to work with whom you would like. If you would like to be a steward, please complete a steward application form.

Task Force

This is a hard-working team, and the festival would not get built, maintained and cleared down without them. There is a preference for you to be relatively fit and able as some of the tasks are quite manual. However, there are some tasks that don't need muscle but require brains. This team is a great fun-loving bunch that achieves monumental tasks in a very short time, and we are so grateful for them. If you would like to join this team, please complete an application form.

Communications

The ability for all the staff to communicate whilst not disturbing our audience is down to good communications. We always are on the lookout for people with clear diction and an ability to communicate with our telephone queries on the weekend. They will use FM radio, mobile phones and internet emails. On a wet day, it's a great place to work! Email if you are interested in this area.

Office Staff

Dealing with the public and the ticket buyers means you usually have to be patient and have a friendly nature. Our Box Office has a brilliant atmosphere, and you would be dealing with tickets, program sales, general enquiries and admin work on the weekend. Send an email to if you wish to be part of this team.

Collectors

There are approximately 15,000 attend the festival over the weekend, and the majority of those do not buy any tickets at all but still enjoy all the entertainment we lay on in the town centre and in the park. Getting just £1 out of half of those people would ease the finances of the festival greatly. Again, the collectors work in short shifts over the weekend and particularly during the parades on the Saturday and Monday early afternoons. There is always an element of competition to see who can collect more than the Chief Collection manager, Maureen. Come on, you can do it! Email if you can assist us in this area.

In addition to these areas, we are always happy to talk to anyone who wishes to get even more involved with the festival and maybe take on a management position or join one of the publicity or artistic teams. It is a really rewarding experience, and it feels just great to be part of a huge team of willing friends and colleagues all working towards a common aim.