Frequently asked questions...
What type of volunteer roles are offered on this website?
All positions offered on this website are for volunteer stewarding roles....these roles fall into two main categories - scanning/wrisbanding and general stewarding....there are other roles such as bar assistant.
What accomodation will there be?
You are required to camp and provide all your own camping equipment....we will provide basic camping facilities.
Basic lighting, showers and toilets will be provided in your staff camping area.
We also have a number of places at most events for campervans - please look further down this page for more info.....
If you live close to event there is an option to travel in but you MUST be on time for all shifts....but being part of the team on site is much more fun!
What you can expect as part of our team.....
We will do what we can to make volunteering with us as enjoyable as possible - we want you to have fun and come back and see us year on year.
You will receive a meal voucher per shift to be redeemed at any of the vendors on site at the event.
A secure staff campite with showers, toilets, washing facilities and basic lighting.
Tea, coffee, biscuits, sweets etc at welfare stations when on duty.
We endeavour to supply a charging point/welfare area in the staff campsite at each event where you can get hot water and charge mobile phones up etc. If this is not possible we will arrange something alternative.
Support of of our team Supervisors for your time on site and the wider support of Festaff Team that you will be part of.
NB. No meals are issued at Glastonbury or on BST/APE day shows.
We would also suggest that you need to bring your own food,or money to purchase meals/food for days when you are not duty or the vendors units are not open.... on your 1st night on site for example when traders will not be open.
When will I find out if my application has been successful?
We endeavour to let you know as soon as possible as it benefits both you and us to do so. We will aim to let you know in around a week of submitting your application. NB this could 2-3weeks when applications initially open to allow us to deal with the large number of initial applications...or could be longer once the festaival season begins. An email/text will be sent informing you of our decision. Please have patience.
What if my application is not successful?
We will return your full deposit/admin fee within 14 days of our decision. This will be done electronically to your CC, or by PayPal or bacs.
Shifts....
You are required to volunteers for set amount of hours at any event.
Most camping events are 2 x 8 hour shifts but some such as Glastonbury and Creamfields are 3 x 8 hour shifts.
Day events...BST/APE... will be 1 x 8 hour shifts.
Please refer to indivdual event pages for shifts required.
Shift Allocation...
This is done on site at just after accreditation on site.
Shifts will be be graded A shift, B Shift....and C Shift if applicable. You must select a shift from each pot A & B. We have graded the shifts so that they are shared as equally as possible and to prevent those at the front of the queue selecting the best shifts...we would still suggest that the best way to secure the shifts you, and your friends, desire is to turn up in good time for accreditation.
Shifts will be of 8 hours but these could be augmented to reflect the needs of the event. Shifts cannot be held or booked for those arriving later.
Breaks will be allocated where possible. There will not be extra breaks for smokers. All will get the same break times as far as possible.
Can I be on the same shifts as my friends?
Shifts are allocated to you upon arrival. We distribute them in a fair manner so that nobody gets the short straw. If you want to be able to pick your shifts or be on the same shift as a friend arrive as early as you can for accreditation - together. We will endeavour what we can to keep you on same shifts but help yourselves first by following the above advice.
You can swap shifts with other volunteers if you wish - but you and the swapee must both come and see us in the on site office to swap them on our rota.
Desposits....
Why have you introduced deposits?
In order for us to provide a reliable service to festivals we need to ensure that our volunteers turn up on time and carry out the tasks delegated to them. In the past a number of applicants have accepted positions at festivals but then decided not to turn up or perform their duties. Some have informed us of their decision not to volunteer, many have not. This puts unfair pressure on those who have turned up and taken their responsibilities seriously. By introducing a deposit we hope to make applicants think a little more carefully before submitting their application.
How much is the deposit?
£20.00 per festival applied for.
There is no deposit for APE Victoria Park and BST Hyde Park but there is a £10 admin fee. The deposit for Glastonbury & Boomtown differs - please check event page for details.
How much is the administration fee?
£15.00 per camping festival applied for.
£10.00 is the admin fee for one day shows - e.g. APE Victoria Park and BST Hyde Park.
When and how do I pay my deposit and application fee?
Applicants pay the deposit and application fee via PayPal or CC when submitting their application.
Will my deposit guarantee me a place at an event?
No. We must review all applications before places can be offered.
Is camping included? Yes on weekend camping festivals...also Neighbourhood Weekender.
Will you return the administration fee?
The administration fee and bond will be returned if no offer of a place is made by Festaff for the event.
Under what circumstances might my deposit not be returned to me?
You don’t attend a festival for which your application has been granted.
You withdraw from the event less than 5 weeks before you are due on site. If you apply within 5 weeks of an event this rule still applies.
You fail to undertake your duties during a festival or do not reach the required standard.
You turn up late for the performance of your duties or are disruptive on site.
You do not comply with the volunteer notice.
Deposits for APE Victoria Park and BST Hyde Park are non refundable.
What happens if I am offered a place at a festival but I turn it down?
Your admin fee will be withheld but deposit returned as long outwith 5 weeks prior to event. If you withdraw within 5 weeks of 1st day on site for event the admin fee and deposit will be withheld.
What happens if you are unable to offer me a place at a festival?
Your deposit and admin fee will be refunded.
What happens if I decline a place before an offer is made?
Your admin fee will be withheld.
Deposit Returns and Refunds...
When will my deposit be returned to me?
Deposits will be paid back via cheque at the end of the summer before the end of of October. Please make sure your postal address is up to date on your profile - reissued cheques will be cost £20. No cash will be refunded on site.
Glastonbury deposits will not be returned if you do not attend your sister event, for any reason, or your performance at either falls below an acceptable standard.
Refunds
There are no refunds on admin fees for day events.
Please note refunds may be given by cheque. It is your responsibility to keep us informed of any changes in address/name that may occur. If we have to re-issue a cheque a further £20 fee will be incurred.
A £5 fee may be incurred per application if event/season is cancelled due to factors outwith our control (i.e Covid, adverse weather, etc) and admin work has already been undertaken. (£2 for day events)
The Festaff Management Team will have the final word in any matters on applications.
Glastonbury 2025 Applications
Those who volunteered at 2 camping events in summer 2024 will be invited to apply first and foremost. An invite does not guarantee a place.
Is there a required deposit and admin fee?
Glastonbury deposits will be equal to that of the ticket price.
Guide for Campervans at events with Festaff...
Please do not aply for a CV space before you have been offered a place at said event first and foremost.
Please check that the event actually accepts CVs for volunteers first and foremost on the event page on the Festaff website....currently we cannot accept CVs at day events, Kendal Calling or Sundown.
If you require a pitch, please email info@festaff.co.uk the required info – reg, H/W/L, make and model. How many the CV sleeps and what the occupancy will be on the weekend of the show.
Email this info and we will provisionally book you in for the event and will confirm your place around 2 weeks ahead of the event. No info - no booking. NB. Many events have a limit on how many CVs we can bring - so we may not be able to accomodate all.
All CVs must have window in sleeping area, ventilation in sleeping area, fixed beds, and be able to open the back from the inside. No cars, vans etc will be allowed in CV section…a van/pick up/car with mattress in the back is not a CV.
Once on site you must park where instructed by Festaff Supervisors.
Once on site the CV must stay in situ for the entire event until you leave on the Sunday/Monday.
There are no elec hook ups – anyone caught hooking up to provided elec could be asked to leave site.
Toilet Waste – Please take this away with you…or if you cannot please dispose of it in and IBC on site and DO NOT put it down the portable loos as the cross contamination can make some waste non-recyclable.
No Tents can be put beside/attached to CVans/vehicles – there must be a separation of vehicles and tents.
No amplified music for CVs after 10pm.
No running the engine at unsociable hours.
All CVs must have an in-date fire extinguisher – these may be checked on site.
A separate email must be sent per application/event.
Your CV and belongings maybe subject to a full search at any time on site.
Caravans approved on individual basis.
If applying for a place for your CV you agree to abide by the rules given here.
Other Info....
Can I swap my deposit and application fee from festival to festival, or to another person, if I change my mind?
Deposits and administration fees are not transferrable between applicants or events.
Do you have somewhere I can store my belongings whilst I am on duty. No is the staright answer. Our strong suggestion is do not bring anything you cannot afford to loose.
Adjustments for those with Disabilities or Health Conditions.
Festaff welcomes applications from all and will make reasonable adjustments to make sure volunteers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, are not substantially disadvantaged when volunteering at any event.
Drop us an email and we will work with you –info@festaff.co.uk
What happens if I am ill and cannot attend?
Please email us a scanned copy of a signed and dated doctor's note indicating that you are unfit for work. We will then be able to offer you a refund you but places may not be rolled/held over.
What happens if I am unable to attend due to a bereavement?
In order to process your refund, we require you to confirm your relationship with the deceased and supply suitable documentary evidence, such as a death certificate. We can then process your refund.
Who can be my referee?
You are asked to provide a referee as part of your application. This should be somebody who can provide a character reference. Ideally this should be a former employer (especially a mentor or line manager), a contact from a volunteer position, a sports coach from a team you have played in, your teacher, lecturer or tutor. You cannot use family, friends or a neighbour. Please ensure that your referee’s contact details are kept up to date, and that you have their permission for us to contact them.
Can I get a reference for a job?
Volunteering with Festaff means you get to add invaluable experience to your CV. We are happy to offer a reference for you once you have completed your volunteering to a good standard. If you do require a referee, please contact us with details of the job you are applying for.
I'm studying Event Management or wanting to get involved in the festival/music business. How can Festaff help?
Many of our volunteers are studying events or are interested in this industry. However, getting experience can be tough. Volunteering with Festaff means you not only get to add hands-on experience to your CV, but you’ll make great contacts too.
*All above depends on contracts being agreed with promoters.
