Volunteering at Cheltenham Literature Festival
The support of volunteers helps ensure we can continue to put on safe, enjoyable events, through the generous donation of time
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival will be looking for friendly, hard-working and enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteers will be needed from Thursday 3 October – Monday 14 October 2024 to help with all aspects of running a successful Festival. This would be a valuable experience especially for those passionate about arts administration, events management and stage production.
We try to give our volunteers the best experience possible and we are so grateful for the time and effort given. So, whether you have a bit of free time, are looking to gain some experience in the events industry, or, acquire new skills and knowledge on how to run a Festival, this is for you.
It's also a very good opportunity to give something back to the community, and whether you’re a fan of literature or simply looking to get into it, this is a great opportunity to discover more about the scene.
Above all, being a volunteer is also being part of a family, getting to know new people and have a great time all together.
In return for volunteers’ hard work, UK travel expenses are paid and accommodation is provided if not local, as is a small contribution towards living costs (please note that we are unfortunately unable to offer single rooms and the accommodation is in shared apartments). You will also receive a free Cheltenham Festivals t-shirt to wear during the Festival and to keep. And of course, the opportunity to get behind the scenes at a famous Festival with the chance to see great events for free.
The work involved can be demanding, but the long days involve a lot of variety and hugely enjoyable teamwork along the way. This work includes:
Site Preparation (mainly on the day before the Festival starts)
Furniture distribution
Venue set-up
Backstage/Artist set-up
Site vibing/ dressing the site
Site support
Keeping the site tidy
Checking banners and posters are still secure
Maintaining levels of security in No-Access areas
Waste/Recycling Management
Site Production
Erecting banners
Securing posters and publicity
Maintaining directional signage
Maintaining venue signage
Audience Support
Directing audience members to locations and venues
Advising audience members of site facilities
Supporting less-able audience members to their venue
Front of House
Welcome audience to the venue
Queue management
Tearing tickets and directing audience to their seats
Leading an evacuation if necessary
Preparing the venue for the next event
Office Support
Answering telephone or radio calls
Typing or other word processing
Issuing Radios, stationery, venue kit, etc.
Responding to call-outs
Writers Room Assistant
Supporting the Artist Manager
Maintaining the Writers Room
Assisting speakers with their preparations or requests
On Call
Responding to any radio calls asking for assistance
Stage Support
Preparing the stage for performance – chairs, tables, water, equipment, etc.
Driving (OPTIONAL)
Some of our artists might need a lift to the station or to the airport. Volunteers who are willing to drive for us carry out this task and are called ‘Festival Drivers’ as well as ‘Volunteers’. Festival Drivers must have a valid driving licence and provide a DVLA check code before each festival.
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Drives could include artists / speakers, crew, volunteers, staff or kit
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Driving our Festival Cars (if applicable)
Volunteers are asked to commit to full time for the duration of the Festival (Thursday 3 October – Monday 14 October).
We are looking for highly motivated and reliable volunteers who will be happy to do whatever task is required of them. Volunteers will need to have good teamwork skills, initiative, and the stamina to work long hours. Evidence for a passion for Literature and/or skills in events management would be a plus.
