Volunteering 2025

[buddiepaul]

3 hours ago, stuie said:

 

Hi @rebus if you've enjoyed it as a punter then you should have a good time with Oxfam.  Some shifts are peachy (lake patrols, arena crowd obs etc) and some are less so (campsite fire towers) but on the whole it's a nice festival to volunteer at. The Oxfield isn't far from the main public campsite.

 

You'll have a crew wristband so although I've not tried to get into live in campers field since it moved, I think you'll be able to get in fine.  Re booze, you can take whatever into Oxfield but getting it into the arena requires a bit of stealth.  I've always managed to get a water bottle of vodka in hidden on me somewhere! 

 

@rebus @Spacey @buddiepaul @amfy and anyone else going... I don't think many of my usual people are going this year, so if you're at a loose end and fancy a pint or a dance partner for a trip to The Valley then do send me a message! 

 

 

I'm happy to join you for a pint.  I'll say hello when I see you.  

[amfy]

@stuie Thanks! Well let you know when we get there so you can find us! x

[RandomBunny]

On 01/07/2025 at 07:50, philipsteak said:

How was everyone's experience? Both old hands and newbies. 

 

 

This was my first time volunteering after over 20 Glastonburies as a punter. There's loads I could write, but it all basically comes down to that I'd have to think really hard about doing it again. Volunteering was fine - the people were nice (although not quite as welcoming as I thought they'd be, but I think I just had an iffy team), and the work was okay despite cleaning long drops. It was fun finally seeing crew bars. BUT I realised Glastonbury is my holiday. Having to be somewhere at a certain time was a complete pain, and that's coming from me who isn't usually bothered about seeing particular bands. It didn't help that my regular gang of friends from the last 18 years weren't there. That said I still had some wonderful moments and I am grateful to have been there. However, I didn't get any of the loved up vibes from volunteering or being part of an amazing team, and that's kind of sad. 

 

[Jay Pee]

1 hour ago, RandomBunny said:

 

This was my first time volunteering after over 20 Glastonburies as a punter. There's loads I could write, but it all basically comes down to that I'd have to think really hard about doing it again. Volunteering was fine - the people were nice (although not quite as welcoming as I thought they'd be, but I think I just had an iffy team), and the work was okay despite cleaning long drops. It was fun finally seeing crew bars. BUT I realised Glastonbury is my holiday. Having to be somewhere at a certain time was a complete pain, and that's coming from me who isn't usually bothered about seeing particular bands. It didn't help that my regular gang of friends from the last 18 years weren't there. That said I still had some wonderful moments and I am grateful to have been there. However, I didn't get any of the loved up vibes from volunteering or being part of an amazing team, and that's kind of sad. 

 

Its not for everyone but you are being honest and at least you gave it a go.

 

What area were you working on site? It can be difficult due to the distances from camping also 

 

 

[RandomBunny]

53 minutes ago, Jay Pee said:

Its not for everyone but you are being honest and at least you gave it a go.

 

What area were you working on site? It can be difficult due to the distances from camping also 

 

 

The distance wasn't a problem, on the contrary it was quite fun being the furthest away blocks! The issue was more the lack of a bonding experience with a team. I'm going to feed everything back directly to the charity once I've figured out how to word it all. I met some great people, sadly our little team was lacking. 

[Jay Pee]

14 minutes ago, RandomBunny said:

 

The distance wasn't a problem, on the contrary it was quite fun being the furthest away blocks! The issue was more the lack of a bonding experience with a team. I'm going to feed everything back directly to the charity once I've figured out how to word it all. I met some great people, sadly our little team was lacking. 

Just sent you a message 

 

🙂

[Pinhead]

Had 3 overnight shifts are D. Tbh don't care too much these days about anything I miss after 31 years and the general knackeredness of doing the shifts - just glad to be there.

[balti-pie]

42 minutes ago, Pinhead said:

Had 3 overnight shifts are D. Tbh don't care too much these days about anything I miss after 31 years and the general knackeredness of doing the shifts - just glad to be there.

How did you find the overnights affecting your sleep ahead of the main fest? Was it a problem, or are you generally able to manage sleeping patterns etc? (Of course if the SE corner is your main attraction, it would probably help you, weirdly 😀)  

[philipsteak]

3 hours ago, RandomBunny said:

 

This was my first time volunteering after over 20 Glastonburies as a punter. There's loads I could write, but it all basically comes down to that I'd have to think really hard about doing it again. Volunteering was fine - the people were nice (although not quite as welcoming as I thought they'd be, but I think I just had an iffy team), and the work was okay despite cleaning long drops. It was fun finally seeing crew bars. BUT I realised Glastonbury is my holiday. Having to be somewhere at a certain time was a complete pain, and that's coming from me who isn't usually bothered about seeing particular bands. It didn't help that my regular gang of friends from the last 18 years weren't there. That said I still had some wonderful moments and I am grateful to have been there. However, I didn't get any of the loved up vibes from volunteering or being part of an amazing team, and that's kind of sad. 

 

 

It can be tricky. 

Before meeting and growing the group I go with now (we mostly all went solo and just became friends through Oxfam) I had the odd year where I didn't really gel with any of the other volunteers. Still quite happy doing stuff on my own but yeah, you feel something is missing. Especially if your usual gang aren't there. Other years I did make friends but it was very much a one and done thing. And some years I had friends going at punters so mostly hung out with them off shift.

But now I'm really lucky. Got a great group of friends all met through volunteering. Which in itself can be a problem for new volunteers as some of those groups like ours can seem a bit of a clique. I like to think we aren't, we really make an effort to include others and are always adding new people, especially solos, whether it's people camped nearby, people met on shift, friends of friends, whoever.

Glad you still enjoyed it though and it's not like you were a total newby. Just new to volunteering. I think some total new people struggle cos they've read in places like this or the WhatsApp and Facebook groups for Oxfam or whoever about how it's amazing and like a family and you'll have the best time and meet your new best friends. And then if you don't it can be pretty tough. I have spoke to people before who've had a pretty rough time of it and felt it wasn't what was promised. And so much is down to luck. Who you camp next to, who you work with, even just who you get chatting to in the queue for the shower!

I guess your ideal scenario would be to not need to volunteer in the future? 

If it was volunteering or nothing do you think you'd still do it?

[Pinhead]

21 minutes ago, balti-pie said:

How did you find the overnights affecting your sleep ahead of the main fest? Was it a problem, or are you generally able to manage sleeping patterns etc? (Of course if the SE corner is your main attraction, it would probably help you, weirdly 😀)  

Ah so it was 2300 to 0700 for 3 nights in a row.

Got back from D to Oxfield by 0800.

Burned out of my tent by 10 or 11.

f**k all sleep.

Tiring. But since it was early shifts, once last one done 7am Wed, I actually wimped out and slept until 2pm then went out Wed PM once peeps had come in 

Seemed to work.

 

[Pinhead]

Lovely bunch of people on shifts this year. Shout out to Steve, Rose and Colin supervisor.

[RandomBunny]

4 minutes ago, philipsteak said:

 

It can be tricky. 

Before meeting and growing the group I go with now (we mostly all went solo and just became friends through Oxfam) I had the odd year where I didn't really gel with any of the other volunteers. Still quite happy doing stuff on my own but yeah, you feel something is missing. Especially if your usual gang aren't there. Other years I did make friends but it was very much a one and done thing. And some years I had friends going at punters so mostly hung out with them off shift.

But now I'm really lucky. Got a great group of friends all met through volunteering. Which in itself can be a problem for new volunteers as some of those groups like ours can seem a bit of a clique. I like to think we aren't, we really make an effort to include others and are always adding new people, especially solos, whether it's people camped nearby, people met on shift, friends of friends, whoever.

Glad you still enjoyed it though and it's not like you were a total newby. Just new to volunteering. I think some total new people struggle cos they've read in places like this or the WhatsApp and Facebook groups for Oxfam or whoever about how it's amazing and like a family and you'll have the best time and meet your new best friends. And then if you don't it can be pretty tough. I have spoke to people before who've had a pretty rough time of it and felt it wasn't what was promised. And so much is down to luck. Who you camp next to, who you work with, even just who you get chatting to in the queue for the shower!

I guess your ideal scenario would be to not need to volunteer in the future? 

If it was volunteering or nothing do you think you'd still do it?

 

That's nice you have a group now, it really does make a difference 🙂

 

Yeah my ideal scenario would be to not need to volunteer in the future, or at least have shifts before the festival.  

If it was volunteering or nothing I would have to think really hard about it. I ADORE Glastonbury (as do most people here), but it is very different when volunteering. It's a marathon when you're not working, let alone adding shifts into the mix! 😅

 

 

[Pinhead]

3 minutes ago, RandomBunny said:

 

That's nice you have a group now, it really does make a difference 🙂

 

Yeah my ideal scenario would be to not need to volunteer in the future, or at least have shifts before the festival.  

If it was volunteering or nothing I would have to think really hard about it. I ADORE Glastonbury (as do most people here), but it is very different when volunteering. It's a marathon when you're not working, let alone adding shifts into the mix! 😅

 

 

The way I look at it is yeah you might have terrible shifts and so on, but I'd much rather be there then not at all and if I have no tix then it's the only way in else the alternative is missing it altogether for a year.

[Helsbels]

After my first Oxfam experience at Glasto this year I've today signed up for Shambala this time with my other half. After speaking to other stewards this is the one I really fancied trying next. Looking forward to a lot less walking! Also sounds like the roles are more varied. Looks like a beautiful festival. Maybe see some of you there! 

[philipsteak]

6 hours ago, Helsbels said:

After my first Oxfam experience at Glasto this year I've today signed up for Shambala this time with my other half. After speaking to other stewards this is the one I really fancied trying next. Looking forward to a lot less walking! Also sounds like the roles are more varied. Looks like a beautiful festival. Maybe see some of you there! 

 

If I could get the time off work I'd be there too. Did it the first time last year and really enjoyed it.

[Skip997]

9 hours ago, Helsbels said:

After my first Oxfam experience at Glasto this year I've today signed up for Shambala this time with my other half. After speaking to other stewards this is the one I really fancied trying next. Looking forward to a lot less walking! Also sounds like the roles are more varied. Looks like a beautiful festival. Maybe see some of you there! 

You’ll not regret it 

[efcfanwirral]

On 14/07/2025 at 17:59, RandomBunny said:

 

This was my first time volunteering after over 20 Glastonburies as a punter. There's loads I could write, but it all basically comes down to that I'd have to think really hard about doing it again. Volunteering was fine - the people were nice (although not quite as welcoming as I thought they'd be, but I think I just had an iffy team), and the work was okay despite cleaning long drops. It was fun finally seeing crew bars. BUT I realised Glastonbury is my holiday. Having to be somewhere at a certain time was a complete pain, and that's coming from me who isn't usually bothered about seeing particular bands. It didn't help that my regular gang of friends from the last 18 years weren't there. That said I still had some wonderful moments and I am grateful to have been there. However, I didn't get any of the loved up vibes from volunteering or being part of an amazing team, and that's kind of sad. 

 

I completely get you. My 11th Glastonbury and my second time volunteering. It was easier this time as I knew what was going on more, but completely agree about the holiday aspect and everything else you say about that. It's a way in, but it's my favourite place in the world so obviously would prefer the freedom at this point in my life wherever possible. That said, the last two years I would've not been there through a choice that wasn't my own for the first time since I started going, so I'd always pick volunteering over that 

[stuie]

Currently packing for Wilderness 🙂 

 

Praying for sun, expecting monsoon, packing everything! 

[amfy]

We’re going to a small festival in Barrow called ‘Coast Roads’ this weekend before we set off for Wilderness next Wednesday!

i don’t even know what I’m taking with me tomorrow yet!

[philipsteak]

 

intrigued by Coast Roads. Think it's in its second year. The organisers claim of "the best day of your life" is a bold one. Although it is in Barrow, so... Still, great that it's getting things like this.  Might have gone myself but I'm working this weekend. Although Cumberlandia, also on this weekend, sounds lovely too.

[Jay Pee]

6 hours ago, philipsteak said:

 

intrigued by Coast Roads. Think it's in its second year. The organisers claim of "the best day of your life" is a bold one. Although it is in Barrow, so... Still, great that it's getting things like this.  Might have gone myself but I'm working this weekend. Although Cumberlandia, also on this weekend, sounds lovely too.

Don't forget Krankenhaus and Solfest. The same weekend unfortunately but really looking forward to several days at Muncaster Castle 

[philipsteak]

3 hours ago, Jay Pee said:

Don't forget Krankenhaus and Solfest. The same weekend unfortunately but really looking forward to several days at Muncaster Castle 

 

Would quite like to give both a try at some point but I work in tourism so August bank holiday is tricky. 

Not impossible, but someone beat me to it booking it off. I think next year I'll book it off as soon as the calendar opens then decide what to do (probably Shambala tbf but something closer to home would be nice)

[Helsbels]

On 25/07/2025 at 06:04, philipsteak said:

 

If I could get the time off work I'd be there too. Did it the first time last year and really enjoyed it.

Good to hear, theres always next year

[amfy]

On 26/07/2025 at 05:33, philipsteak said:

 

intrigued by Coast Roads. Think it's in its second year. The organisers claim of "the best day of your life" is a bold one. Although it is in Barrow, so... Still, great that it's getting things like this.  Might have gone myself but I'm working this weekend. Although Cumberlandia, also on this weekend, sounds lovely too.

We went because we live in Morecambe so it's quite near for us. Stayed in a decent local hotel for £100 for the 2 nights.

it was great once we got over how small it still is. Very much in the 'still building up' years & it is very much about showcasing local artists. It was great to be right down the front for the twang and in a nice sized crowd for Example, & then just to be able to nip round the corner for the 2nd half of the dance headliners (Fabio & Grooverider & Utah Saints) 

I think because Barrow is somewhere where not much ever happens, it was the loveliest, happy, friendly, up for it crowd I've been in for a long time. 
No bar queues, relaxed stewarding (Oxfam would never stand for the 'styling' of some of the Hi Viz' & some of the general lounging about when nothing was happening - but it was nice!) toilets stayed nice & also with limited queueing, but mostly just the best vibe.

When we first arrived we were a bit 'is this it?' But we had the best time and would definitely do it again! 

[philipsteak]

2 hours ago, amfy said:

We went because we live in Morecambe so it's quite near for us. Stayed in a decent local hotel for £100 for the 2 nights.

it was great once we got over how small it still is. Very much in the 'still building up' years & it is very much about showcasing local artists. It was great to be right down the front for the twang and in a nice sized crowd for Example, & then just to be able to nip round the corner for the 2nd half of the dance headliners (Fabio & Grooverider & Utah Saints) 

I think because Barrow is somewhere where not much ever happens, it was the loveliest, happy, friendly, up for it crowd I've been in for a long time. 
No bar queues, relaxed stewarding (Oxfam would never stand for the 'styling' of some of the Hi Viz' & some of the general lounging about when nothing was happening - but it was nice!) toilets stayed nice & also with limited queueing, but mostly just the best vibe.

When we first arrived we were a bit 'is this it?' But we had the best time and would definitely do it again! 

 

That's great. 

 

Trying not to sound patronising but, you know, it's Barrow. It doesn't have many nice things. So hopefully it can keep this nice thing. Just hope it is supported and able to keep going and grow. And doesn't get any pushback from moaners. I mean it will get some, everything does, but hopefully not enough to impact on it