Frequently Asked Questions
Working at a Music Festival
- What is a CAT Volunteer?
- What does volunteering with Hotbox Events involve?
- What are the benefits of working at a festival with Hotbox?
- Can I see some bands?
- Can I work only before or after the festival or event?
- How will my shifts be organised?
- What is the difference between a volunteer and member of staff?
- Can I apply to work as a member of paid staff?
- Can I get a backstage pass?
What is a CAT Volunteer?
A CAT is a Campsite Assistance Team Volunteer.
CATs work in the festival campsites assisting festival goers with directions, helping festival goers to carry their belongings and pitch their tents, answering questions about performances and line-ups, reporting back regarding any problems e.g. a build-up of litter or faulty facilities, and working with Fire Safety, Medical and Security teams as required.
What does volunteering with Hotbox Events involve?
You can find info via the festival specific "about" pages on the www.HotboxEvents.com website...
- Who are the CAT Volunteering
- Big Chill Festival CAT Volunteering
- Latitude Festival CAT Volunteering
- Reading Festival CAT Volunteering
- Leeds Festival CAT Volunteering
Please also drop into the CAT Festival Volunteering Community - here you will find links to the...
- CAT Festival Volunteer Forum
- CAT Festival Volunteer Galleries
- CAT Festival Volunteer Facebook
- CAT Festival Volunteers on Twitter
You can also read testimonals from past CATs on via the Hear from past Festival Volunteers page.
What are the benefits of working at a festival with Hotbox?
- You get a crew pass, info pack and uniform.
- You get access to crew camping facilities in a secure area.
- You get access to the crew café, bar, toilets, and showers!
- You get a limited edition crew t-shirt which you can keep to prove you worked at the festival!
- You even get time to enjoy the festival - as a volunteer you only work 3 x 8 hr shifts (24 hrs in total throughout the festival)!
Can I see some bands?
Of course! We realise this is the main reason many of you volunteer with us!
Most Hotbox Events festival volunteers only work 3x 8hr shifts (24 hrs in total throughout the festival).
Hotbox Events staff work from between 3x 10hr shifts to 10hrs a day, depending on position.
All Hotbox Events festival staff and volunteers are welcome to enjoy the music festival when off-shift.
We arrange for volunteers working 3x 8hr shifts to have at least one afternoon shift off during the event.
Can I work only before or after the festival or event?
Unfortunately not, sorry.
How will my shifts be organised?
Volunteer shifts are allocated before the festival via PAAM.
You can view the different shift patterns available and select your order of preference.
Shifts are allocated to volunteers in order of deposit payment date; the earlier you pay your deposit the more likely you are to get the shift pattern you would like.
What is the difference between a volunteer and member of staff?
Hotbox Events festival volunteers work three 8hr shifts and are required to pay a deposit.
Hotbox Events staff work from three 10hr shifts to 10hrs per day plus pre and post event administration.
All staff are paid and fed.
Some staff are paid travel expenses, phone expenses and clothing expenses, are supplied with laptops, healthcare and onsite accommodation.
Can I apply to work as a member of paid staff?
We select managers and supervisors prior to the music festival based on experience.
If you work in a supervisory capacity away from music festivals or have any relevant experience please note this in your application and contact us.
Please note that managers and supervisors arrive early, work longer shifts and leave late - often missing their favourite bands...
Can I get a backstage pass?
Due to staff and some volunteers needing to work within guest and production areas some of our staff and volunteers do have access to backstage areas.
