This week we talk to one of the festival volunteers about their role during the week and what they get out of it. We’re hugely grateful to all the volunteers that make the festival possible. 500 volunteers keep the festival going, and we’re always looking for new faces!

Tell us a bit about yourself – how old are you? What’s your background?

Hi my name is Joshua Cox-White, I am 31 years old and I am from Northampton UK, I am currently working in a Charity Superstore and I’m Volunteering at my local Theatre (Royal & Derngate Northampton). I have been coming to Sidmouth Folk Festival for 29 years this year!

How long have you been volunteering at Sidmouth Folk Festival?

I have been volunteering for 6yrs!

What made you want to get involved in the first place (and what makes you want to return?!)?

To get to know the festival and I love the atmosphere at the Festival! It is a good way to get to know people.

Tell us about what your role involved last year?

It involved people showing their wristbands and passes. I was a door steward. Keeping the venue clean and safe. Giving festival goers information.

What do you feel you get out of volunteering?

New skills, meeting new people and being part of the festival!

How do you think your work helps the festival?

I think my work helps out the festival by ensuring the venue runs smoothly and safely, keeps costs down for the festival and hopefully puts festival goers at ease.

There’s usually a strong sense of camaraderie and community between festival volunteers. Is that your experience of your time in Sidmouth?

Yeah I enjoy working with my fellow volunteers and have made so many friends over the years!

What do you enjoy doing at the festival (or in Sidmouth generally) when you’re not volunteering?

Going to the concerts and ceilidhs, I like the Bulverton events and I like to walk along the promenade, sit and have lunch on the beach.

What are you looking forward to at this year’s festival?

 Afew concerts, seeing all the regular faces and good weather!

What would be your advice to someone thinking of volunteering for this year?

Do it, it is a great low-cost way to come to the festival. But also a lovely thing to do, meet new people and learn new skills!

We look forward to welcoming Joshua back this August. Come and try volunteering. It’s a great way to save money, meet new people and get to know how the festival works behind the scenes.

We have some amazing people who have been volunteering for 60 years or more, but we always welcome fresh faces to come on board.

Find out more and sign up here: https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/volunteers-2/