Canterbury Festival

 

Volunteering

The Festival is fortunate to be assisted by a loyal group of supporters, many of whom have worked with us for a number of years, and students recruited from the local education providers.  Yet we are always seeking to expand the Festival family through the recruitment of energetic and enthusiastic individuals.

There are a number of opportunities to get involved, mostly within the Festival fortnight.  Volunteers are normally required for approximately four to five hours for a performance and duties include:

  • Front of House:  the mainstay of Festival volunteering, the first people the audience meet through the venue door.  Work includes:  venue set-up, checking/sale of tickets, stewarding to seats, sale of programmes/merchandise and clearance of venue.
  • Bar work:  the Festival stocks and staffs the bar at the Shirley Hall.  Volunteers are guaranteed an energetic but sociable time.
  • Marshalling: assisting with the Opening Day Parade, an important community event which kick-starts the Festival.
  • Reception : assisting with hospitality arrangements for guests before/after the entertainment.
  • Publicity: spreading the word across Canterbury in the lead up to and during the Festival.
  • Production work : including venue set-up and clear-out (may include heavy lifting).

Benefits include the opportunity to gain experience of events management and to be part of a sociable and friendly team,  use existing or develop new skills and enjoy high quality performances (although often it is not possible to see the whole show).

If you have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to deal with a range of people, a flexible and pro-active approach as well as a friendly disposition then we would very much like to hear from you.  Expressions of interest should be sent to Kerry Barber, Business Manager, by email kerry@canterburyfestival.co.uk.

Please note that although volunteers give their time freely - and the Festival appreciates that volunteers are under no obligation to give their time - 100% attendance and application is required.