Frequently Asked Questions
Working at a Music Festival
- How will my shifts be organised at the festival?
- Can all of my festival shifts be the same, so just afternoon or nightshifts?
- What is a Festival Volunteer?
- What does volunteering with Hotbox Events involve?
- What are the benefits of working at a festival with Hotbox Events?
- Can I see some bands?
- Can I work only before or after the festival or event?
- 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?
How will my shifts be organised at the festival?
Volunteer shifts are allocated before the festivals via Hotbox Events PAAM.
We upload the shift patterns to PAAM about a month before each festival. Once the festival shift patterns have been uploaded we will contact you; asking you to login to PAAM; view the different shift patterns available; and select the shift patterns you would prefer in order of preference (1 being your most preferred shift pattern).
Shifts are then 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.
The shift patterns are designed to ensure that all volunteers have at least 16 hours between shifts and at least two evenings off to enjoy the festival!
If you are applying with friends and wish to be allocated the same shift pattern please ensure that you list all of their names in the relevant box on your PAAM profile.
Once your shift pattern has been allocated it will be displayed on your overview page. This will be about three weeks prior to the event.
Please note that regardless of shift you will be expected to arrive on-site by the festival’s ESSID - you can check the festival’s ESSID via the about pages on this website.
If you have any queries about shift patterns that are not covered by the above please contact us.
Can all of my festival shifts be the same, so just afternoon or nightshifts?
At the Reading Festival we do require one of the teams to only work nightshifts as we have a higher number of nightshifts at Reading Festival.
At all of our other festivals each volunteer is required to complete 3 different shifts, one early shift, one late shift and one night shift.
What is a Festival Volunteer?
Our festival steward volunteers, or CATs (Campsite Assistance Teams), HATs (Helpful Arena Teams) and Pixies (Stewards in the Latitude Festival Woods Arena), work closely with Festival Republic and play a big part in creating a good atmosphere at the festivals - helping the festival goers to get the most out of their festival! By joining the Hotbox Events stewarding team as a festival volunteer or member of events staff you can help us to continue to achieve this!
Our festival stewards work in the arenas and 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, and working with Fire Safety, Medical and Security teams as required.
For further info please visit our Festival Work and Jobs page.
What does volunteering with Hotbox Events involve?
You can find lots of information about working with us on the festival specific pages of the Hotbox website:
- Volunteer to work as a Latitude Festival Steward
- Volunteer to work as a Reading Festival Steward
- Volunteer to work as a Leeds Festival Steward
If you're looking for updates you can join Hotbox Events on Facebook and Twitter!
We also have a monthly newsletter which will let you know all the info about the coming season's festivals!
Our Work and Jobs page may help to answer some of your questions.
As may talking with our staff and volunteers via our Festival and Event Forum - a useful place to ask others questions about working at festivals and events.
Last but not least - if you're looking for photos try the Festival Photo Galleries!
What are the benefits of working at a festival with Hotbox Events?
- 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, 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 work and 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.
What is the difference between a volunteer and member of staff?
Hotbox Events festival volunteers:
- Only work 3x 8hr shifts (24 hrs in total throughout the festival).
- Are required to pay a deposit.
- Are not paid a wage.
Hotbox Events staff:
- Work from three 10hr shifts to 12hrs per day, depending on position.
- Are paid a wage.
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, read our Festival Work and Jobs page and please 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 our event staff and some of our festival volunteers needing to work within guest and production areas - some of our staff and volunteers do have access to backstage areas.
