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Volunteers

It takes about 1400 people working behind the scenes to make our festival happen; only 7 of them are paid ; the rest of them are volunteers. The festival is managed by a volunteer Board, and about 40 volunteer teams are organised by volunteer team Coordinators.

Volunteers do everything that needs to be done to make the festival happen, they pour drinks, check in performers, wash cups, cooking meals, sell tickets, check wristbands, patrol carparks, mind children, set up venues - you get the picture. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our festival, and in many ways it belongs to the fun loving community minded individuals who decide to get involved.

Why Volunteer?

Ask any of our hundreds of return volunteers why and you’ll be amazed at the range of answers. Mostly it’s because you cross over from being an audience member to being part of the festival. You are not just being there, you are making it happen. The friendships, the camaraderie, the sense of community and the shared laughter that come out of working at the festival, more than compensates for giving up a few hours out of each day. There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills or pass on knowledge.

Some reasons to volunteer during the festival:

  • It’s fun!
  • Try something new, different
  • It’s a manageable commitment
  • Enjoy the social event, meet new people, make new friends
  • Personal and professional development and fulfilment
  • Learn and develop new skills
  • Use existing skills in new and exciting ways
  • Have an active part in a wonderful event
  • Earn a free ticket for (usually) 20 hours of volunteering
  • Be recognised as a doer

Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers who complete 20 hours or volunteer work during the festival receive:

  • Free season pass to the festival
  • Free camping
  • Access to volunteer facilities such as subsidised meals from the volunteer centre
  • Attend the volunteer party

If you would like to see what exactly goes on for some of the volunteers at the Festival then have look at this video that was compiled in 2007.

For more information on volunteering and the online application form please see the other volunteering pages accessible by the Volunteer menu at the top of the page.