Frequently Asked Questions

Working at a Music Festival

What is the difference between a CAT and a HAT?

A CAT is a Campsite Assistance Team volunteer. CATs work in the campsites assisting festival goers with directions, helping festival goers carry their belongings and pitch their tents, answering questions about performances and line-ups, reporting back to management regarding any problems e.g. a build-up of litter or faulty facilities, and working with Fire Safety, Medical and Security teams as required.

A HAT is a Helpful Arena Team volunteer. HATs work in the arena assisting festival goers with directions, answering questions about performances and line-ups, reporting back to management regarding any problems e.g. a build-up of litter or faulty facilities, and working with Fire Safety, Medical and Security teams as required.

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What does working as a CAT or HAT involve?

You can find info via the festival specific "about" pages on the www.HotboxEvents.com website...

Please also drop into the CAT & HAT Community - here you will find links to the...

You can also read testimonals from past CATs & HATs on via the Hear from past volunteers page.

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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) - all CATs & HATs are welcome to enjoy the festival when off-shift!

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Can I see some bands?

Of course! We realise this is the main reason many of youwork with us!

Most Hotbox Events volunteers only work 3x 8hr shifts (24 hrs in total throughout the festival).

Hotbox Events staff work from between 3x10hr shifts to 10hrs a day, depending on position.

All Hotbox Events staff and volunteers are welcome to enjoy the festival when off-shift.

We arrange for volunteers working 3x 8hr shifts to have at least one afternoon shift off during the event.

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Can I work only before or after the festival or event?

Unfortunately not, sorry.

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How will my shifts be organised?

Shifts are allocated when you sign-in.

The earlier you arrive the more likely you'll get the shifts you want!

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What is the difference between a volunteer and member of staff?

Hotbox Events volunteers work only 3x 8hr shifts and all are required to pay a deposit.

Hotbox Events staff work from 3x 10hr shifts to 10hrs per day plus pre and post event administration including the writing of a post event report...not terribly rock and roll!

Staff are paid, fed, some have travel and/or phone expenses covered.

Some of our top level managers even have clothing expenses covered, are supplied with laptops, get private healthcare and are supplied with onsite accommodation!

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Can I apply to work as a member of paid staff?

We select managers and supervisors prior to the music festival - all are selected 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...

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Can I get a backstage pass?

Due to staff and some volunteers needing to work within the guest area at Leeds Festival, and the guest and artist areas at Latitude Festival - some CATs & HATs do have access to backstage areas.

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