Why You Should Volunteer At Festivals (And How)

I'm happiest when there's music thundering through my soul, glitter floating around like snow, and vodka red bulls splashing everywhere like rain. I'm happiest at a festival. 

Unfortunately for me, to chase that feeling costs the price of Jesus' tears. You're either flying or paying an arm and a leg for petrol. Drinks and food don't come cheap. And most expensive of all, that pesky entrance ticket. 

But what if there was a way to make the whole experience cheaper...? Here's why you should volunteer at a festival to save your dosh.

What jobs would I be doing? 🌺

As a festival volunteer, your days might look like working shifts in the entry tents, internal traffic control, car park coordination, recycling, transport logistics etc. You'll probably be wearing a swanky high-vis vest which is turbo too. Some festivals accept volunteers in the bars or backstage, but normally these roles are reserved for paid workers. That might be something you're interested in as well!

How much work would I need to do? 🤩

It varies from fezzie to fezzie. Splendour in the Grass, for example, requires you to do an average of 18-22 hours in return for a full event ticket and camping for the week. 

All this info will be found on the festival's website! 

Now onto the pros:

Free Festival Entry ❤️‍🔥

I mean, nuff said. Long festivals normally go for around $450, so this is an insane pro.

Bearing in mind, you'll still need to think of transport, food, and drink costs. But hey, that can all be done budgo too if need be! 

You'll make a tonne of mates (or just hang with your own) 7 🥰

Lmao but seriously, there is nothing more fun than hustling at a festival alongside your mates, g'ing up for a big night ahead. And if your mates don't join ya, don't worry for a second! You'll make new ones in a heartbeat! 

I mean, everyone volunteering at a festival is in the same boat - you're geniuses, saving your dosh to have the time of your life. Working smarter not harder. I met my best friend volunteering at Falls so get amongst it!

The little perks 👏🏼

You may get some free drinks. Free food. Better bathrooms. A nicer campsite. Who doesn't love the perks?

Something to bang on the resume...? 😛

Um, hello! Experience! Maybe you'll do a job you never thought you'd do - like traffic controlling or working backstage... Who woulda thought your way to getting a free festival ticket could be work experience too?! Result! 

So, how to sign up? 🎆

Easy peasy! Just hit up the intended festival website and get yourself to the volunteering section. You'll have to fill out a quick form a voila. I'd recommend doing this as soon as possible - months before if need be, just to secure a spot! 

I'll say it again for the people in the back row. Work smarter, not harder. 😂