Volunteering 2021

[March Hare]

2 hours ago, waltere said:

As a general rule shifts run 11am-7pm and 7pm-3am, you'll likely have one shift across weds/thurs and an afternoon and a night during the weekend. This is isn't always the case (e.g. last year me and my group had Thursday night and then saturday and sunday afternoons), but is by far the most likely outcome.

I will point out though that if you haven't done it with them before getting a place for the next one is going to be very hard - they always give priority to those who have done it before and on top of that for next year anyone who was signed up for 2020 has first refusal on places.

Yeah, excluding priority where I got my spot, I hear Oxfam was more brutal than ticket day. It isn’t always an easy route in. Getting other festivals under the belt the summer before Glastonbury will help.

[philipsteak]

1 minute ago, March Hare said:

Yeah, excluding priority where I got my spot, I hear Oxfam was more brutal than ticket day. It isn’t always an easy route in. Getting other festivals under the belt the summer before Glastonbury will help.

Brutal is the word. Can't remember the numbers, but thousands upon thousands joined the Facebook group before and presumably most were going for Glastonbury places. A lot of my friends, who've been stewarding for years but didn't have priority missed out on getting a place

[Leyrulion]

4 minutes ago, philipsteak said:

Brutal is the word. Can't remember the numbers, but thousands upon thousands joined the Facebook group before and presumably most were going for Glastonbury places. A lot of my friends, who've been stewarding for years but didn't have priority missed out on getting a place

They did A BIG advertising push around ticket day in 2019 getting thousands of new sign ups. 

[dondo]

1 hour ago, March Hare said:

Didn’t know you were on the recycling crew @dondo! 

Yep.  Originally did it in 2005 as couldn't get a ticket.  Took a few years off when got married and had children and done it 5 more times in 2010, 11, 13, 16 and 19. 

 

[stt11]

8 hours ago, Leyrulion said:

They did A BIG advertising push around ticket day in 2019 getting thousands of new sign ups. 

I signed up, for Oxfam, last year. I did a training session during, the early, lockdown and thoroughly enjoyed it. 
I’m looking to apply next year. 
I was thinking of applying for a small 2000 to 5000 capacity festival, as a second choice. My reasoning being that, there would be less chance of catching Covid and that, the festival, would be more likely to go ahead.
 

[incident]

2 hours ago, stt11 said:

I was thinking of applying for a small 2000 to 5000 capacity festival, as a second choice. My reasoning being that, there would be less chance of catching Covid and that, the festival, would be more likely to go ahead.

Oxfam don't usually have anything nearly that small on the list - did you mean 20,000 to 50,000?

The smallest ones on offer last year were Bearded Theory, 2000 Trees, and The Long Road which are all in the 10,000 to 15,000 range. However as a consequence they're also the most difficult to get (moreso than Glastonbury), as last year they all filled up on the first day of priority applications (TLR only has like ~20 places available and filled instantly).

[philipsteak]

1 minute ago, incident said:

Oxfam don't usually have anything nearly that small on the list - did you mean 20,000 to 50,000?

The smallest ones on offer last year were Bearded Theory, 2000 Trees, and The Long Road which are all in the 10,000 to 15,000 range. However as a consequence they're also the most difficult to get (moreso than Glastonbury), as last year they all filled up on the first day of priority applications (TLR only has like ~20 places available and filled instantly).

Last time I did Bearded Theory (2017) they only took about 100 if I remember rightly. Can't imagine that's changed. All but a handful had done it before, multiple times. I think that filled pretty much instantly with priority too.

Don't think 2000 trees fills as quickly. I'm sure I remember looking at it in 2019 a few weeks after applications opened and there were still places. In many ways it'd be perfect for me to do. Relatively close to me, needs fewer days commitment, and fits in well with my work pattern. Just a shame I don't really like the music!

[incident]

Just now, philipsteak said:

Last time I did Bearded Theory (2017) they only took about 100 if I remember rightly. Can't imagine that's changed. All but a handful had done it before, multiple times. I think that filled pretty much instantly with priority too.

Don't think 2000 trees fills as quickly. I'm sure I remember looking at it in 2019 a few weeks after applications opened and there were still places. In many ways it'd be perfect for me to do. Relatively close to me, needs fewer days commitment, and fits in well with my work pattern. Just a shame I don't really like the music!

Not sure exactly on the exact number but there's a few more roles at Bearded now than there were in 2017. I'd guess at maybe somewhere in the 150-200 range though could be out on that. It was the 2nd festival to fill in 2020, about 15 minutes into priority. 2000 Trees definitely filled first day of priority as well, though I think it was an hour or two later. I was actually signed up for both of them in time, but I know a few people got caught by surprise and missed out.

[GandalfTheGreen]

Echo @dondo's words....

 

recycling crew is great. I went with a charity last year and had a great experience. Really well organised and looked after by the team running it. Plus the cheap bar next to camping area is a blessing... especially on the Sunday when all the ale was being sold off cheap!! 

 

Would reccomend it to anyone!

 

Altho others may be better versed on a muddy year what the experience is like. 

[Old_Johno]

One of the downsides of volunteering is you normally have to arrive Tuesday,  which is another day of precious annual leave.. although next year I’ve got loads to use as we are allowed to roll over.

Shelter have rolled their places over to next year as per tickets so can’t see anyone dropping out of that 

 

 

[chuckles07]

3 hours ago, incident said:

Not sure exactly on the exact number but there's a few more roles at Bearded now than there were in 2017. I'd guess at maybe somewhere in the 150-200 range though could be out on that. It was the 2nd festival to fill in 2020, about 15 minutes into priority. 2000 Trees definitely filled first day of priority as well, though I think it was an hour or two later. I was actually signed up for both of them in time, but I know a few people got caught by surprise and missed out.

Yes I would agree. Did BT in ‘18 and ‘19 and there seems to be a hard core of old timer Oxfamers who do it most years. Beautiful Days is the other one that is very similar and goes quite quickly. Similar size and friendly vibe. I like them both a lot and hope they, plus Shambala  and WOMAD, go ahead. I suspect there is more chance of the smaller ones than the big festivals going ahead, sadly. Another one, that is not on Oxfam list as far as I know,  is Black Deer, which is on the weekend before Glastonbury. Heard good things about it. 

[stt11]

11 minutes ago, chuckles07 said:

Yes I would agree. Did BT in ‘18 and ‘19 and there seems to be a hard core of old timer Oxfamers who do it most years. Beautiful Days is the other one that is very similar and goes quite quickly. Similar size and friendly vibe. I like them both a lot and hope they, plus Shambala  and WOMAD, go ahead. I suspect there is more chance of the smaller ones than the big festivals going ahead, sadly. Another one, that is not on Oxfam list as far as I know,  is Black Deer, which is on the weekend before Glastonbury. Heard good things about it. 

We have a new one near here. It’s called BeatHerder. I might try to volunteer for that. I like some of the Sound City festivals. I’m not sure about hotel accommodation though. I could get used to it if it was safe. But that’s unlikely I suppose.

[dondo]

3 hours ago, Old_Johno said:

One of the downsides of volunteering is you normally have to arrive Tuesday,  which is another day of precious annual leave.. although next year I’ve got loads to use as we are allowed to roll over.

Shelter have rolled their places over to next year as per tickets so can’t see anyone dropping out of that 

 

 

I'm quite lucky that I get a decent amount of leave so enjoy the fact that you get on site for a day or two before the gates open to the general public. 

[philipsteak]

4 hours ago, Old_Johno said:

One of the downsides of volunteering is you normally have to arrive Tuesday,  which is another day of precious annual leave.. although next year I’ve got loads to use as we are allowed to roll over.

Shelter have rolled their places over to next year as per tickets so can’t see anyone dropping out of that 

 

 

One of the upsides of volunteering is you get to arrive on the Tuesday, or even the Monday. I bloody love those two days.

[Leyrulion]

1 hour ago, philipsteak said:

One of the upsides of volunteering is you get to arrive on the Tuesday, or even the Monday. I bloody love those two days.

People have said this a lot. What is it about them that makes them good? I'd have thought nothing would be open!

[incident]

6 minutes ago, Leyrulion said:

People have said this a lot. What is it about them that makes them good? I'd have thought nothing would be open!

Oh, how I feel for those who missed that legendary Prince Tuesday night Pyramid set.

Nah in all seriousness, crew bars are open, some of which have DJs or occasionally a live act (though the ones which do have live acts may require some blagging or contacts to get into), and some of the main market food stalls will be serving. It's more socialising / excitement building vibe than "well, entertain me" though.

[philipsteak]

2 hours ago, Leyrulion said:

People have said this a lot. What is it about them that makes them good? I'd have thought nothing would be open!

Yep, pretty much what incident said. And getting to catch up with people and have a good explore, and then see the place transform as it fills up. Not just crew bars open either, a few public ones too.

I used to always just go on the Tuesday and arrive quite late but a few years ago started driving down on Sunday and staying nearby so I can get there first thing Monday morning. 

(That Prince set was amazing though, eh?) 

[marathonsteve]

We got up early last time and sat on the hill where the Glastonbury sign is, watching the people come in. Truly wondrous how the fields start to fill up with tents.

[glasto-worker]

5 hours ago, Leyrulion said:

People have said this a lot. What is it about them that makes them good? I'd have thought nothing would be open!

Just to add - apart from what other people have listed a Crew pass allows you access to the ' interstage area ' { used to be called Backstage } and other areas that are not normally public areas {Big note - this is before the public is allowed in} - don't worry there is still security so any areas they don't want you in - they will soon tell you.  

Some Crew Camping areas have their own security and entry to those are by a second pass or wrist band so please don't wander into them.

Some Crew Camping areas have their own subsidised bar hence why they are only keen that their own Crew benefits.

There is tons of places open ' a few days before the gates open '

Bottom photo is Tuesday 25th of June 2019 - about 7pm and it got so busy that at times ' it was one out and one in ' Impossible to get everyone on my team sitting at the same table ' so we were spread over 3 tables.

Some areas that are open ' may or may not issue you with a extra wrist band ' so always ask because you will be kicking yourself if you did not pick up a pass as that Bar may not be reachable once the gates are open.

[March Hare]

16 hours ago, Leyrulion said:

People have said this a lot. What is it about them that makes them good? I'd have thought nothing would be open!

Getting your bearings again, hanging out at the sign when it’s quiet, crew bars for drinks (each one with unique cups if you fancy collecting them), meeting old friends, meeting new ones as everyone is excited for the fest to start.

The burrito place by Williams Green is open, it’s all you need. Feels like you have the place to yourself but still plenty going on in those 48 hours.

Show up to your first shift on the Wednesday hung over already 😂

[March Hare]

On 12/21/2020 at 11:17 PM, dondo said:

Yep.  Originally did it in 2005 as couldn't get a ticket.  Took a few years off when got married and had children and done it 5 more times in 2010, 11, 13, 16 and 19. 

 

Veteran then!  

[philipsteak]

8 minutes ago, March Hare said:

Getting your bearings again, hanging out at the sign when it’s quiet, crew bars for drinks (each one with unique cups if you fancy collecting them), meeting old friends, meeting new ones as everyone is excited for the fest to start.

The burrito place by Williams Green is open, it’s all you need. Feels like you have the place to yourself but still plenty going on in those 48 hours.

Show up to your first shift on the Wednesday hung over already 😂

But there are already more people on site than a lot of festivals have in total

[dondo]

9 minutes ago, March Hare said:

Veteran then!  

Yes, lots of us are now which is why things like the ore festival shifts are so heavily over subscribed. I only got them once in 2016 but the weather was awful and very muddy so didn't enjoy them as much as I would have liked. 

[marathonsteve]

22 hours ago, glasto-worker said:

Just to add - apart from what other people have listed a Crew pass allows you access to the ' interstage area ' { used to be called Backstage } and other areas that are not normally public areas {Big note - this is before the public is allowed in} - don't worry there is still security so any areas they don't want you in - they will soon tell you.  

Some Crew Camping areas have their own security and entry to those are by a second pass or wrist band so please don't wander into them.

Some Crew Camping areas have their own subsidised bar hence why they are only keen that their own Crew benefits.

There is tons of places open ' a few days before the gates open '

Bottom photo is Tuesday 25th of June 2019 - about 7pm and it got so busy that at times ' it was one out and one in ' Impossible to get everyone on my team sitting at the same table ' so we were spread over 3 tables.

Some areas that are open ' may or may not issue you with a extra wrist band ' so always ask because you will be kicking yourself if you did not pick up a pass as that Bar may not be reachable once the gates are open.

I wonder if that is the crew bar near Arcadia

[glasto-worker]

11 hours ago, marathonsteve said:

I wonder if that is the crew bar near Arcadia

yes it is - the plan was to see the CO-OP shop but I received a message from a friend saying they were in that Bar so we took a wander up - we got in but  it was so busy we failed to find the friend.

Later on a message was sent by my Tent Manager who has asked for some of my Team to work that night {on the Tuesday it was likely that some of us would work as its a Crew bar} but each Year I allow one of the team to make up the rota but she had not arrived by that stage so we all showed up.

it all got sorted out.

We normally head down to the bread and Roses { Glasto 2011 night before the gates open } but as I cant walk very far and all the buggy drivers were busy we decided to skip it in 2019.