Get Involved

Volunteering is a fantastic way to attend Smugglers, see some amazing acts, make new friends all whilst supporting the smooth running of the festival. We have three different teams to get involved with: the Steward Team and the Green Team and the Welfare/First Aid Team.

Our festival volunteering opportunities are open to everyone. We aim to create an environment that grows and uses everyone's skills. If there’s something you need to be able to take part, please talk to us about it so we can help make the festival volunteering accessible to you.


Volunteering recruitment for 2025 hasn't started just yet. We'll keep you posted when applications are open.

Join the reserves volunteers list

Volunteering FAQs

How many hours do I need to work?

Crew members for the Steward & Green Teams are asked to work 12 hours in exchange for a Full Festival Pass (4day ticket).

Other options for a limited number of people wanting to come for less time and work less or part-pay, part-work are possible so please apply and we can see if we can find a good fit for both you and the festival.

What about the perks?

You'll be welcomed into a brilliant team, lots of our crew volunteer as a way to meet new people and being part of making it happen is fulfilling and fun!

Plus you'll receive 2 drinks tokens and a half-price meal token for every 12 hours worked.

We’ll also make sure you have all the info and materials you need, a place to camp, and hot drinks on shift.

How old do I need to be?

We have a diverse age range of people involved in our crew with a minimum age of 18 years old.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

To sign-up you will need to provide a one-off refundable deposit of £160. We ask for this to ensure that volunteers attend and complete their required responsibilities.

The return of your deposit relies on you having attended all your shifts satisfactorily. This includes being on time and returning your tabard and radio when you have finished your shift. Your deposit will be paid directly back to the card you used to pay your deposit, during the week after the festival.

What kit do I need to bring with me?

You will need to provide your own camping equipment such as a tent, airbed and sleeping bag.

Always bring a mug and a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated.

Make sure you have clothes suitable for both extremes of weather. We recommend always bringing a raincoat, wellington boots and a warm jumper as well as a sunhat and sunscreen. Essentially, be prepared for the best and the worst weather during the same shift. And bring spare socks! Remember if you're on a shift that starts at 2pm, it may be getting cold by 8pm when it finishes.

Bring some good footwear. You need good solid shoes, boots or wellies to wear on shift.

Caterers will not be open until the festival starts, so please bring food and drink to keep you going if you arrive before. The nearest shop is Lidl or Tesco in Whitfield 5.7 miles away.

How do I sign up?

Click on one of the team buttons below to take you to their sign-up forms and more details about each team.

Welfare & First Aid Team

Volunteers in this team are lovely, empathetic, calm humans who volunteer their time to create and hold a safe space for people who may need some support. Some volunteers will be trained in basic first aid, basic life saving, first responder training, mental health first aid or have further qualifications in health care.

Steward Team

Stewards provide directions to the festival-going public, check wristbands, guide cars in the car park, assist in the off-site campsite, patrol the perimeter and run the box office.

You are supporting the festival with the smooth running of the event operations.

Green Team

Responsible for taking care of the compost loos, all hand sanitizer & hand soap dispensers, the set-up and running of the washing up station, and management of litter picking, bins & recycling.

Your responsibilities are important for the health, safety and eco-ethos of the festival.

Wellbeing Area

Our beautiful pond-side Wellbeing Area will be providing a relaxing retreat from the bustle of the festival with classes, treatments and workshops. We'd love to hear from practitioners, facilitators and therapists of all kinds.

Craft Area

The craft area is a hub of creative activity, with the opportunity to take part in all kinds of arts and crafts workshops. This year we are particularly keen to hear from folk offering traditional and land-based craft skills, such as willow weaving, blacksmithing and woodworking.