Applications are now open to apply to join the 5,000+ community of Oxfam stewards at some of the UK's biggest music festivals - helping to make them run smoothly, make sure the festival goers stay safe and happy, and all while having the summer of your life.
To volunteer, you must be 18 and be willing to volunteer for 3 x 8 1/4 hour shifts usually over 5 days of the festival, with the rest of your time free to enjoy yourself. Roles vary from ticket checking, and campsite patrols to arena venues and disabled access platforms. You are asked to pay a fully refundable deposit which is returned to you after your last festival of the season. This year, for the first time, Oxfam have a variable deposit system in place, which means the amount you need to pay will depend on the festivals you choose to steward. You can see the list of festivals and amounts here www.oxfam.org.uk/stewarding/festivals
In return for donating your time and energy, Oxfam provide full training, a separate camping area with toilets and showers, a meal ticket per shift, a chance to make new friends and the opportunity to raise vital funds for Oxfam's work around the world.
In 2014 the Oxfam Stewarding Team is celebrating its 21st year at UK festivals. They are recruiting stewards for events, including Bearded Theory, Trailtrekker, Glastonbury Festival, NASS, Latitude, Tramlines, Nozstock, Camp Bestival, Boardmasters, Boomtown Fair, Beautiful Days, Shambala, Reading, Leeds, and Bestival.
Here is what some Oxfam stewards have said about their experiences:
"Stewarding is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience. It's a fantastic way to gain a new set of skills, as well as raising money for a great cause, meeting a new and diverse bunch of people and catching some amazing live music!"
"It's a great way to give something back to the festival scene, make some money for Oxfam, and meet loads of lovely people."
"Stewarding is the way forward. Free festival tickets and fab friends; fun in the sun and raves in the rain - summer will never be the same again."
Applications are made via the Oxfam website www.oxfam.org.uk/stewarding and you’re advised to read this page in advance to make sure you have what you need ready Before you Apply
Every year volunteer stewards raise a substantial amount of money for Oxfam at festivals. Find out more about how it is spent through Oxfam's work to help some of the world's poorest people and the current campaigns to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering around the world, see www.oxfam.org.uk.