You don’t have to fork out a fortune to go to festivals. Organise it now and you can get cheap and even free tickets. Volunteer for Oxfam or other charities and you’ll only have to do a few shifts – then you can enjoy the music for the rest of time. Or if you don’t fancy working at all then there are plenty of festivals which are free to attend. Here’s how you do it:
Working for Oxfam
Oxfam’s presence at summer festivals is massive. They can be seen at all of the big ones campaigning for climate change. They are also asking people to sign petitions and donate money. Campaigners work shifts which vary depending on the festival (for Glastonbury it’s three shifts of eight hours during or before the five day festival) and in return, you get a free ticket to the festival. Oxfam also employ people to be stewards. Their role is to keep people safe and main duties will include checking tickets, directing people away from restricted areas and helping with car parking. As a steward, you are required to work three shifts of 8 and a quarter hours each. One will be in the morning, one in the afternoon/evening and one overnight. You need to make sure that you’re available to work not only for the duration of the festival but also before and after, as stewards are needed for setting up and clearing away. Make sure you check out the specified dates for stewards. If you have been a steward with Oxfam in the last three years then you are eligible for a priority application. You’ll be sent an application e-mail when this process opens on 12th February. Applications for the general public will then open a week later on the 19th February. You’ll only be able to apply online and applications will close as places get filled up so you will have to be quick. You can’t just sign up to do it. There are a few things that you’ll need towards your application:
- A £185 deposit
This is refundable – you’ll get it back as soon as you turn up. But if you don’t turn up, Oxfam will keep the money to cover the price of your ticket. For this, you’ll need to have a credit/debit card. They don’t accept payment by cheque or American Express.
- To be over 18
Lots of these events stipulate that under-18s have to be accompanied by an adult, so being old enough is a must.
- Food and shelter
You’ll be sleeping in a separate camping area and you’ll get a meal ticket per shift as part of the job, however you will need your own food for the rest of the time. You also need your own tent.
- Transport details
You have to provide the details of how you’re going to get to the festivals so Oxfam can send you any relevant passes. Some of the festivals will provide transport for the Oxfam team, however it’s not guaranteed. Click here to find out about transport for each individual festival.
- Training
You’ll need to attend a health and safety training course before the festival if you haven’t worked for Oxfam in the last four years. There are training sessions all over the country. They aren’t festival specific and they last about three hours.
- A photo
You’ll need to upload an up-to-date photo of yourself for your application. The photo should be a JPEG (.jpg) file type, less than 50kb in file size and no larger than 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
- A reference
If you’ve worked at less than two festivals then you’ll need a referee. You’ll need to include their contact details including an email address and telephone number.
- Emergency contact details and doctor’s information
This is needed just in case something happens to you while working at the festival. Give the details of someone who you are not at the festival with and who would be available in case of an emergency – i.e. not on holiday! The details will only be given to medical personnel.
- Shift partner’s details
Finally, if you want to be put on the same shifts as your mates, all you’ve got to do is give their details, such as their full name and date of birth. Then Oxfam will do its best to pair you up so you can spend your free time together. Working at festivals isn’t just for younger people. If you want to go to the festivals and you have children you are allowed to bring them along. This year you do need to register any children of 13, 14 or 15 years and tickets are the same price as adult tickets. However children under 12 are often admitted for free. See the individual festival website for more details. If you’ve got everything you need to apply, all you do is click here and apply online.
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