Oxfam Festival Volunteering 2015 - applications open next week

Applications open on Tuesday 17 March for the Oxfam Stewarding 2015 season.

Your favourite band did an epic set on the main stage. Darth Vader just rode past on a unicycle. Someone crowdsurfed on an actual surfboard. And you’ve just helped some of the poorest people in the world to break free from poverty. When you’re an Oxfam steward, you’re the heart of the festival.

"Raise money, see bands, make friends, have fun: enrich your life by stewarding with Oxfam!"

You can 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.

"I wouldn’t want to go to a festival without stewarding with Oxfam now. I love the Oxfamily camaraderie, the other perks and feeling a part of the festival. Raising money for a good cause is the icing on the cake."

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.

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

"I took a chance and booked onto a festival by myself. Before I arrived, I was rather nervous but I was immediately welcomed into the ’Oxfamily’ fold and that was it. I went home and booked onto as many festivals as I could. I filled my summer with festivals, made so many friends and had an absolute blast! I would recommend it to anyone!"

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.

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