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 is underway for some teams, please check below each section to apply. We'll keep you posted when more teams start recruitment. Please wait for the application forms to open rather than emailing us in advance.

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.

Green Team

Help keep Smugglers clean, green, and sustainable. As part of the Green Team you’ll be at the heart of our eco-ethos - working together to ensure the festival treads lightly on the land.

The team runs our zero-waste washing-up station, manages recycling and waste, maintains compost loos, and keeps hand-washing points stocked. It’s hands-on care that keeps everything flowing, all within a friendly and supportive crew.

Apply

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.

Apply

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.

Fire Keepers

Our fire keeper volunteers keep our fires burning bright long into the evenings! They know how to manage a fire and keep people safe around it into the early hours, including putting it out when it’s time to go to bed! This role is about nurturing the vibe while always remaining conscious of safety. The work exchange for this role is 1 x 12-hour night shift.

Apply

Wellbeing Area

Applications are now closed for the Wellbeing Area for 2025. Applications will open next April/May for 2026.

Craft Area

Applications are now closed for the Craft Area for 2025. Applications will open next April/May for 2026.

Children's Area

Applications are now closed for the Craft Area for 2025. Applications will open next April/May for 2026.

Food Stalls and Market Traders

We are now fully booked for food traders and markets for Smugglers 2025, please get in touch early next year if you are interested in trading at Smugglers 2026.

Applications to perform

We received a record number of amazing applications and we are now closed for music applications for Smugglers 2026!