Every year, Oxfam stewards raise over £1 million for people living in poverty all around the world. So if you love music, love festivals, and love making money for charity, this could be just right for you. Even if you just want a new experience, or fancy making the most of your summer, read on!
In the summer of 2010, I first volunteered to work with Oxfam. The idea of getting a free ticket to a festival and only having to work three shifts was brilliant. I’d been to many festivals before, but always as a punter and never an employee. After a friend had suggested I go I figured, why not? I was pretty daunted at the prospect of going, as the time got nearer. It was such a rash and spur of the moment decision to go, and apart from my one friend, I didn’t know anyone else. But it was one of the best decisions I think I’ve ever made. In fact, I’d even encourage anyone who was going to go by themselves.
Going to work at festivals with Oxfam meant my whole friendship circle was widened. I met people from all across the country, with different jobs, personalities and lifestyles. It was refreshing to meet individuals without any pretence or expectations and learn about them from scratch with no preconceptions. Not only did I meet people who have become my best friends, but I also met my partner of 2 years who has now moved down south from Manchester to move in with me.
I would recommend anyone to do it and try and go alone if it doesn’t seem too scary, the amount of confidence you gain is invaluable. With less people around you that you know, the more open you are to accepting others as friends. There is a sense of community amongst everyone working there. You are all in the same boat and part of the same team. If you are unsure of anything, someone is always there to help you. And as an added bonus, you will be raising money for an extremely worthwhile charity!
The way it works is like this; Oxfam are contracted as stewards for the festivals, who act as crowd control, checking tickets and making sure that the public are kept safe whilst enjoying their festival. Each steward is set to work 3 shifts that are 8 hours long. The rest of the festival they get to work for free and explore what each one has to offer. People who are interested in events management especially, would find this an excellent experience.
The festivals team at Oxfam do everything they can to look after you. They try and make the shifts as fair as possible, giving everyone as much time off in between shifts as their schedule will allow. Whilst on your shift, you’re provided with tea and coffee and also with food tickets which you can use at stalls within the Oxfam campsite, and sometimes event stalls within the festival venue itself. ‘Nuts’ is one of the stalls that provide Oxfam stewards with food over the 6 days you are there, and serves delicious food. The last meal I had there was steak and chips in a peppercorn sauce. Beautiful! A world away from the festival food you’d imagine. Oxfam stewards also have staff toilets, which is a godsend especially at festivals like Glastonbury!
Every festival takes the same kind of format. When you arrive you will be registered. This is the time when you are given your festival wristband, your Oxfam tabard, and your shift allocation. Once given your shift times, it’s a good time to have a look at what bands are on and what you want to see whilst you’re at the festival, so you won’t miss anything! If you have a shift you’re not happy with, there will be a white board where you can write what shift you would like to swap with others, although this is not always guaranteed. Later in the day, you will have your steward briefing and training. The festival coordinators will talk you through every aspect of the festival, any problems you might run into, and how to deal with them. It’s here that would be the perfect time to ask any questions or apprehensions you might have. If you are a new steward and have come on your own keep in mind that everyone else is in the same boat and although it might seem daunting, your supervisor will be with you on shift to help you through every step of the way! You’ll be truly settled in once you’ve started your shift – you’re spending eight hours working with other stewards, so it’s a perfect time to get to know everyone and meet new people. Everyone is friendly and welcoming so by the end of your three shifts, you’ll be guaranteed to know people inside out.
Oxfam have a whole range of festivals to choose from and the list changes every year. However, the favourites to go to are Download, Latitude, WOMAD, Camp Bestival, Beautiful Days, Shambala, Reading, Leeds, Bestival, and of course Glastonbury. This year new festivals were added; Tramlines, Boomtown Fair, and Carfest. Festivals such as Download and Glastonbury fill up quickly, so it’s always best to try and register and get in there quick. Each festival is unique and has completely different atmospheres. Last year my partner and I bought a camper van and went to every festival we could manage, and below is a few of my favourite festivals we visited. By the end of the season, we’d got to know a few people who had done the same festivals we did. Now they are among some of my best friends.
Glastonbury:
One of the biggest festivals in the world, there is something here for every individual. It’s a chance to see some of the biggest musicians in the world, but also to discover smaller bands in a more intimate environments on the downsized stages. Its such a huge festival, it’s easy to get lost in the bands, the people and the food. I’ve been going for nearly 8 years, and it never fails to impress me and I always experience something new.
However, going with Oxfam was a completely different experience which took me pleasantly by surprise. Having a campsite that wasn’t completely drenched in mud and with toilets that were cleaned every morning and stayed relatively hygienic for the rest of the day, was a luxury! As its so big, you do have to plan the bands you want to see, and leave time to get in between stages.
However, as there are so many people stewarding, you will always find someone who will be going in your direction and gives you a feel of having a little community in such a big festival. Being at Glastonbury is one of the best experiences in the world – there’s such an eclectic mix of people, everyone’s there to have a good time and enjoy the music. I would definitely take a trip to the Healing fields for meditation, messages and some relaxation. And also to the ghetto of Shangri-La, the all night party venue where anything goes.
Latitude:
Latitude is possibly one of the prettiest festivals I’ve ever been to, and also one of the most laid back festivals. As well as a music festival, its primarily an arts festival, with a literature tent, comedy tent and poetry tent amongst others. Its hosted several comic genius’, and last year was Alan Carr, who to my surprise I absolutely loved. It has a real wholesome feel to it, and there are so any activities you can do other than visiting the tents. With a lake running right through the festival, for a small donation of your choice, you can hire a boat and take it through the water! The artwork around the site is beautiful, and they’ve even got some sheep they’ve spray painted multi colours. You cam also change scenery within minutes, from thesmaller stages peeking out from the woods, to strolling over the bridge to the vast arena which holds over 16 stages.
But don’t let the family vibe fool you, in the evening it can party as hard as any other festival. In the night time, we stumbled through the forest on the site, onto a small stage with a crowd of 50 or so, rocking out to the small band onstage. We felt like we were having a secret musical rendezvous! The Comedy tent a must to experience, and is extremely popular. Aim to get there as early as possible as the crowds build up quickly. Its one of my favourite festivals for its chilled out, welcoming and happy feel.
WOMAD:
The World of Music and Dance festival does exactly what it says on the tin. There’s a wide range of music and dance to experience from all over the world. As its a relatively small site, you of can get between stages easily and the whole festival has a relaxed atmosphere.
The food is gorgeous, a particular Caribbean stall had people lining up for over an hour to taste some of their food, and it was well worth it. There is always something happening to take part in – after a particularly heavy night out raving away in the dance tent, a group of us went to try some Yoga at six o’clock in the morning! Cleared our body and minds for the rest of the day!
Bestival:
Apart from Glastonbury, my favourite festival to date. One of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced, its a silly, fun, feel good festival. If you’re there to party, it’s guaranteed to show you a good time, and if you’re there for the music, its got some of the best line ups in the season. My first year stewarding at Bestival, I was lucky enough to be put on the Comedy tent and spent my shift listening to Rufus Hound in the background, and then had the pleasure of meeting him afterwards. The festival site is unique, weird and wonderful, with lots of quirky artwork and performances happening at all hours!
I’d recommend checking out the Bollywood Cocktail bar and the Hidden Disco. As its the last festival Oxfam do in the summer, the Sunday evening is time for everyone to say goodbye to the people they’ve met, having a big party whilst they’re at it. Its also the day of fancy dress which the whole festival takes part in – 2012’s theme was “Wildlife” and I went dressed as a tiger.
But of course the best way to experience each festival is to go to them! For a one off deposit payment of £197, which you get back when you’ve finished all your work with Oxfam, you can visit festivals all summer whilst raising money for an amazing cause. Applications for next year don’t open until early 2013, so you still have lots of time to apply.
So if you’re interested, have more questions or want to find out more about where your money goes, visit the Oxfam website at http://www.oxfam.org.uk/Stewarding .
And remember to go in with an open mind, with the aim to have some fun more that anything else, Oxfam want you to have to best time you can. Oh, and bring plenty of toilet paper, water bottles and sun cream. Learn from my mistakes!