Volunteering at an Event

Signing up to be a volunteer at local or national events is ideal if you would prefer to take part in one-off activities, rather than making an ongoing commitment to regular hours every week. It’s a great way to enjoy a day out and see some of the event for free, whilst still giving back to the community.

Event organisers will usually appeal for volunteers in the run up to the event. By keeping track of when you’re favourite events are coming up and visiting their websites regularly, you will have a great chance at securing a spot on a voluntary team.

It’s also a good idea to sign up to organisations such as Festaff, which advertise volunteer vacancies at music festivals and other events. You can volunteer at formula one events at Silverstone or at charity events like Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. Browse our list of other popular events below.

What sort of roles are available?

• Stewards: Ensuring that event guests are in the right place at the right time. Stewards generally guide people to where they need to be and offer directions. 
• Cleaning: Keeping the event grounds tidy and ensuring facilities are clean. 
• First aid: Many events require voluntary first staff, although you are usually expected to have a first aid background. 
• Bar & waiting staff: Get involved serving drinks and food to guests. This is quite a social role and is great for those who enjoy regular interaction.
• Befriender: You can volunteer to befriend a person with a learning disability who would like to attend more events e.g. though Gig Buddies. Your job is to go with them to the event free of charge and make their experience more enjoyable by attending as a friend.

Where can I volunteer?

• Love Music Help Musicians UK
  They regularly appeal for music concert and festival volunteers from everything from choir performances to the Festival of St Cecilia.
• Charities
  Most charities including British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and NSPCC hold regular events. 
• Silverstone events 
• RHS Flower Shows 
• Festivals
  Most festivals will only appeal for volunteers when a festival is approaching. Keep up to date with their websites to check for information on volunteering roles. Websites like Festaff also regularly appeal for volunteers across a range of festivals
• Gig Buddies 
• Theatres
  Southwark Playhouse
  Shakespeare’s Globe
  
  You can also contact your local theatre for more information on volunteering.