Last week, I had the opportunity to volunteer at one of the biggest festivals in the South of the UK, Boomtown. It was my first experience with festival volunteering, and while I may not volunteer again immediately, I’m incredibly grateful that I gave it a go.
Volunteering at a festival is something you truly have to experience yourself to fully understand, but in this post, I’ll share my honest experience and offer advice for anyone considering festival volunteering.
Why Volunteer at a Festival
I decided to volunteer at Boomtown because, frankly, I didn’t want to pay the £350 ticket price. Volunteering seemed like a great way to experience the festival without the hefty cost, and I was curious to see what festival volunteering was all about.
Volunteering at a festival allows you to attend for free in exchange for working a few shifts. I volunteered with Oxfam, where I worked three 8-hour shifts in return for my ticket, a special campsite with showers, and the satisfaction of contributing to a good cause.
For some, especially those who are middle-aged, volunteering offers a way to attend harder-to-get-into festivals like Glastonbury. With its notoriously high demand and fast sell-out times, Glastonbury is one festival where volunteering can significantly increase your chances of getting in, all while saving on ticket costs.
The Application Process
The application process for festival volunteering varies depending on the organisation, but I found Oxfam’s process to be straightforward.
Oxfam starts by gathering basic information about you, including your experience levels and a general reference from someone you know. Once they approve your application, they request a £250 deposit (which you’ll get back) and provide obligatory training. After that, you’re all set to go!
The process is streamlined and doesn’t require much effort beyond the initial application and a one-hour Zoom training session.
A Day in the Life of a Festival Volunteer
A day in the life of a festival volunteer can vary greatly depending on your assigned shifts. I was fortunate with my shifts, as I had all of Sunday off to enjoy Boomtown’s music and closing ceremony.
Here’s how my shifts were scheduled:
- Wednesday: 00:00 – 08:00
- Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
- Saturday: 16:00 – 00:00
Volunteering with Oxfam often means you’ll get one overnight shift. My overnight shift was tough—slow and exhausting—but the silver lining was that I got it out of the way before the festival music really kicked off.
One of the benefits of my schedule was being free by Saturday night, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the festival. However, not everyone was as lucky. Some volunteers had shifts late on Sunday or even Monday morning when most people were already heading home. This is why I might wait before volunteering at a festival that really matters to me or choose a festival where I’m less invested in the lineup.
The biggest challenge for me was managing sleep. At 22, I had the energy to work my shifts, party, grab a few hours of sleep, and repeat the cycle until Monday morning. However, this might not work for everyone, so it’s essential to plan your nap and meal times around your schedule.
The Work:
As for the tasks, they can vary widely. My stewarding duties with Oxfam included standing on fire towers, patrolling campsites, checking wristbands, controlling traffic, and assisting people with accessibility needs. It’s worth researching the specific roles of different organisations; for example, some people volunteer with glamping companies, where their only tasks are to set up tents at the beginning and take them down at the end of the festival.
Even though you’re at a festival, it’s important to remember that you still need to put in the effort during your shifts.
Essential Gear and What to Pack
Packing for a festival is always important, but when you’re volunteering, your gear becomes even more crucial to ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for your shifts. While Google can provide endless festival packing lists, here are a few key items that I found essential for festival volunteering.
Walking Boots:
A sturdy pair of walking boots that you’ve already broken in will be your best friend during shifts. Weather can drastically change a festival experience, and good boots will help you handle anything thrown your way. While wellies can be a decent backup, investing in quality boots will serve you well beyond the festival.
Warm Layers:
If you’re working a night shift, layers are essential. Even during a British summer heatwave, the 3 AM chill can cut through, and you’ll be glad for those extra layers. This applies no matter where you’re volunteering—never underestimate the power of nighttime chills.
Reusable Water Bottle:
Don’t make the mistake I did and rely on the same plastic water bottle for the whole weekend. A proper reusable water bottle will be much more convenient and environmentally friendly, and it’ll keep you hydrated during those long shifts.
Portable Charger:
With long shifts and downtime between sets, your phone’s battery can drain quickly. A portable charger will ensure you stay connected and can navigate the festival without worrying about running out of power.
Snacks:
Having a few snacks on hand can make a huge difference during your shift, especially if you’re working odd hours when food stalls might not be open. Pack some energy bars or nuts to keep your energy up.
Building Connections and the Social Aspect
Volunteering at Boomtown introduced me to a diverse mix of people, some similar to me and others completely different. It was refreshing to connect with individuals I might not have crossed paths with otherwise and hear their stories and perspectives on why they choose to volunteer.
I even met someone who arrived at the festival alone and quickly made friends with fellow volunteers, ending up camping with them. While I had my own friends at the festival, volunteering still opened the door to meeting new people, much like how you’d connect with others when solo travelling.
People volunteer for all sorts of reasons, and the diversity of motivations and backgrounds creates a unique and enriching environment. This is one of the reasons I recommend giving festival volunteering a try—you never know who you might meet or what new path it could lead you down!
Was it Worth it?
I’m genuinely glad I volunteered at Boomtown. Without volunteering, I might never have attended due to the high ticket price. That said, now that I’ve experienced it, I’d happily pay for a ticket in the future rather than volunteer again—Boomtown truly is a wonder, and it gave me some of my favourite memories.
Volunteering at a festival offers great value, but it does come with the risk of being assigned less desirable shifts, which could impact your experience at a festival you’re excited about. For that reason, I’d recommend attending a festival as a regular attendee first, to fully enjoy it before considering volunteering.
If you think volunteering might be for you, don’t let me dissuade you. I was on the fence myself, but it ended up being a great experience. Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to throw yourself into something new—you might just love it.
Tips
Here are some quick-fire tips for volunteering at any festival:
- Don’t get intoxicated before your shift – Some places will evict you on the spot if they catch you under the influence.
- Be disciplined – Be ready to call it a night early if your shift patterns are awkward.
- Stay hydrated and fueled – Always bring water and snacks with you to keep your energy up during your shift.
- Prioritise your safety – Never do anything that endangers yourself on the job; your safety comes first.
- Don’t accept consumables from festival-goers – It’s best to avoid any potential risks by politely declining offers.
- Stay calm if something goes wrong – Keeping your cool will help you handle any situation more effectively.
- Remember to have fun! – Despite the work, you’re still at a festival—enjoy the atmosphere and make the most of the experience.
Conclusion
Volunteering at a festival like Boomtown offers more than just a free ticket—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the festival experience from a completely different perspective. The benefits go beyond saving money; you’ll make connections with people you might never have met otherwise, contribute to a positive atmosphere, and perhaps even discover a new side of yourself.
While the challenges are real, from managing tough shifts to balancing work with play, the rewards can be incredibly fulfilling. Festival volunteering can push you out of your comfort zone, help you develop new skills, and give you memories that last a lifetime.
If you’ve been considering festival volunteering but aren’t quite sure, my advice is to take the plunge. You never know what amazing experiences are waiting for you on the other side.
Safe Travels!
