Volunteering at Cheltenham Science Festival
The support of volunteers helps ensure we can continue to put on safe, enjoyable events, through the generous donation of time.
Applications to volunteer at Cheltenham Science Festival 2024 are now open.
Applications to volunteer at Cheltenham Science Festival are now open.
Closing date for applications is Monday 25 March.
We're looking for friendly, hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteers will be needed from Monday 3 – Monday 10 June 2024 inclusive to help with all aspects of running a successful Festival. This would be a valuable experience especially for those passionate about arts administration, events management and stage production.
In return for volunteers’ hard work, UK travel expenses are paid and accommodation is provided if not local (in shared apartments), as well as a small contribution towards living costs. You will also receive a free Cheltenham Festivals T-shirt to wear during the Festival and to keep. And of course, the opportunity to get behind the scenes at a famous Festival with the chance to see great events for free.
The work involved can be demanding, but the long days involve a lot of variety and hugely enjoyable teamwork along the way. This work includes:
Site Preparation (mainly on the day before the Festival starts)
Furniture distribution
Venue set-up
Backstage/Artist set-up
Site vibing/ dressing the site
Site support
Keeping the site tidy
Checking banners and posters are still secure
Maintaining levels of security in No-Access areas
Waste/recycling management
Site Production
Erecting banners
Securing posters and publicity
Maintaining directional signage
Maintaining venue signage
Audience Support
Directing audience members to locations and venues
Advising audience members of site facilities
Supporting less-able audience members to their venue
Front of House
Welcome audience to the venue
Queue management
Tearing tickets and directing audience to their seats
Leading an evacuation if necessary
Preparing the venue for the next event
Office Support
Answering telephone or radio calls
Typing or other word processing
Issuing radios, stationery, venue kit, etc.
Responding to call-outs
VIP Room Assistant
Supporting the Artist Manager
Maintaining the Green room
Assisting speakers with their preparations or requests
Stage Assistant
Sound and lighting assistance
Setting up the stage for rehearsal and performance
Assisting speakers/performers
VIP Room Assistant
Supporting the Artist Manager
Maintaining the Green room
Assisting speakers with their preparations or requests
Stage Assistant
Sound and lighting assistance
Setting up the stage for rehearsal and performance
Assisting speakers/performers
Makershack Volunteer
Our Makershack volunteers are predominantly craft based within a single venue. They assist family activities, check the capacity of the venue, and need to be comfortable around children of all ages.
Makershack volunteers don't have to commit to the entire Festival and are a different team dedicated to one venue. If you're interested, you'll be contacted separately.
Driving (OPTIONAL)
Some of our performers may need a lift to the station or to the airport. Volunteers who are willing to drive for us carry out this task and are called ‘Festival Drivers’ as well as ‘Volunteers’. Festival Drivers must have a valid driving licence and provide a DVLA check code before each Festival.
Drives could include speakers, crew, volunteers, staff or kit
Driving our Festival Cars (if applicable)
We are looking for highly motivated and reliable volunteers who will be happy to do whatever task is required of them. Volunteers will need to have good teamwork skills, initiative, and the stamina to work long hours. Evidence of a passion for literature and/or skills in events management would be a plus.
Applications to volunteer at Cheltenham Science Festival will be opening soon.
