Just volunteered to steward with Oxfam!

[Androoo]

Well I've been going to Glastonbury since 1998 and have only missed one since then (due to a massive work commitment) and I didn't believe the tickets would sell out so fast back in October - I missed the boat for this years festival and really thought my ship had sailed.

But - I've volunteered to steward for Oxfam! I got in there yesterday before it filled up and I'm proud to be giving something back to the festival. I've never stewarded before but strangely I'm looking forward to the stewarding as much as the festival itself, I doubt it will even feel like work since it'll be nothing like my boring desk job and I'll be at Glastonbury Festival!

Can't wait!

(I hope I don't get a shift during Stevie Wonder's set..... )

[Hermia]

I stewarded with Oxfam last year at Glasto (my first) and absolutely loved it. It was a blast. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, hot showers, food tickets, met some awesome people, heard some of the best stories and saw a random guy jump the gate only to fall over once he got in and was abandoned by his girlfriend and so much more.

Also I didn't feel as if I missed out on anything. I saw every band I wanted to, and was lucky enough to get the 6am shifts which meant I was finished by 3pm.

The only reason I didn't sign up this year was because I wanted to experience the festival from a paying perspective but I no doubt expect i'll be a steward again next year.

You'll love it!

Edited March 16, 2010 by Hermia

[20/20]

I have considered doing this myself b4, it would be interesting to hear other's experiences of working the festival..who did you work for? what shifts? where did you camp etc?

[penny_wishes]

I volunteered for this yesterday too! Except I've never been to Glastonbury before so I'm just a littttttttle bit nervous about it all! And kind of scared I'm going to die of exhaustion halfway through, think I need to start getting in shape!

I stewarded with Oxfam last year at Glasto (my first) and absolutely loved it. It was a blast. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, hot showers, food tickets, met some awesome people, heard some of the best stories and saw a random guy jump the gate only to fall over once he got in and was abandoned by his girlfriend and so much more.

Also I didn't feel as if I missed out on anything. I saw every band I wanted to, and was lucky enough to get the 6am shifts which meant I was finished by 3pm.

The only reason I didn't sign up this year was because I wanted to experience the festival from a paying perspective but I no doubt expect i'll be a steward again next year.

You'll love it!

[paulomas]

I applied yesterday aswell, but not for glastonbury. i did it for latitude and reading as I already have a Glastonbury ticket. I'm really looking forward to doing it! The fact that one £185 deposit covers as many festivals as you want is amazing!

[dan05delaney]

i think i am probably gonna apply when my student loan goes in my bank in april, i think Leeds and another one maybe

[r0cky]

How do they allocate the shifts, do you get a choice on it or do they just dish them out at random? I said on the application I'd be happy to turn up on the monday so I'm wondering if I would have a greater chance at getting more of my shifts out of the way before the music?

Edited March 16, 2010 by r0cky

[strolling wanderer]

I've stewarded with Oxfam at Glastonbury since '99 and really enjoy it. The tasks vary from ticket and wristband checking through to marshalling the Mutoid vehicle procession.

Last years campsite was based in Spring Field, just outside of Ped Gate B, and we had onsite showers and catering. At Glastonbury (and most others that Oxfam steward at) you are allocated 3 shifts of 8 and a quarter hours which usually give you a morning through to afternoon shift, an afternoon through to evening shift and an evening through to early morning shift. The usual shifts start from Wednesday morning and run through to the Sunday evening. A small group of stewards also cover the early set up shifts from the Sunday before the festival and through to the Wednesday (these are highly prized).

You won't know in advance of signing in what your shift rota will be but you do have the opportunity to swap shifts with other stewards once you are on site. You will get a letter confirming your stewarding role but not the shift rota about a couple of weeks prior to the festival.

Hope you have a good time.

[Salt_On_Everything]

I stewarded in 2004, wasn't for Oxfam tho. Was for another company, had to just do car park and coach stuff, was pretty good, 3 8 hour shifts for the ticket, and private campsite and food discount. The 12am-8am shift was a bloody nightmare tho...

[laid back in the sun]

a mate of mine used to do the oxfam volunteer thing every year and every time i seen him 'working' there he was totally off his face! but im sure they're probably a lot more strict these days

[fairyinboots]

If you've not yet found them yet, head over to the official Oxfam Stewards Forums. Generally early shifts were given priority to those who'd done them before. There's not as many stewards needed for those early shifts.

I've worked for Oxfam before, and it's great fun, met loads of people.

EDIT: typo

[r0cky]

You met mee!!!

[Boosh]

i worked bestival for oxfam last year and had an absolute blast

working bestival and leeds for them again this year

but having been to glasto and worked for oxfam elsewhere, i think i'll stick to being a punter at glasto. i just feel like there'd be far too much i'm missing out on.

[G1T]

I have considered doing this myself b4, it would be interesting to hear other's experiences of working the festival..who did you work for? what shifts? where did you camp etc?

[Katster]

This was how I was hoping to get there this year. However, I've struggled to get together the £200 deposit they require and also have a few other more personal reasons for wanting to give it a miss this year.

It wasn't the thought of working that put me off though, I think you should go for it. 24 hours work in exchange for a ticket isn't so bad in the grand scheme of things. Fingers crossed you all get your shifts over and done with early on so then you are free to play out

[HAPPY CHEF]

I've worked the last two years and will again this year,its great,secure camping,showers,nice(ish) toilets,and cheap food,plus you're contributing to the festival.

[Paadzer]

Apply on here, I have a Glasto ticket but have applied for Garden Party http://www.greenstewards.com/admin/login.c...20login%20again