Stewards
HowTheLightGetsIn is the world’s largest and most exciting philosophy and music festival – and we need YOU to make it happen!
The next festival is in Hay-on-Wye May 23-26th 2025.
Why should you get involved?
1. ACCESS. In return for their short daily shifts (typically between 5-6 hours), festival volunteers get a staff wristband giving them access to a whole range of debates, live music, film & comedy - not to mention insane discounts on certain festival eateries and some of the visiting stall holders!
2. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE. Volunteering looks great on your CV and all of our volunteers can request a reference at the end of the festival for future employment. You'll get to network with festival organisers and gain an insight into the behind-the-scenes running of a large-scale event.
3. FUN. The team is always diverse, welcoming and up for having a lot of laughs, as well as working well together to keep the festival ticking. A lot of our volunteers come back year after year to have reunions and see the same friendly faces they got to know their first year volunteering.
Location
HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2025 will be set in the fields of Hay-on-Wye in Wales.
Stewards can request a complimentary camping space and parking space so staying for the whole festival experience is encouraged!
If you have any questions please text Sophie, our head of volunteering, on 07465985871.
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Testimonials - "I want to express my sincere gratitude for the stewarding experience you have offered us: it has been nothing short of transformational! Although it was the first time I volunteered for a festival, I am already stewarding with another one this weekend!" - Madalina Benderschi, Chișinău, Moldova
- "Thanks so much for the opportunity to work with you guys at the festival. It was so much fun - would love to be involved again next year!" - Katie Poundall, London, UK
- "I was honoured to serve for this wonderful event as a steward. I booked months ago, flew from China for 11 hours (!) and found that it was so, so worth it!!" - Luyao Zhang, Hong Kong, China
What roles are available?
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Being a steward is the best way to see as much of HowTheLightGetsIn as possible whilst being instrumental in the smooth-running of the festival. A steward’s role is by far the most varied, covering a range of responsibilities from managing queues and crowds to working the box office or turning over venues between events.
You will rotate around the site on each shift to ensure you get the full experience of the festival and you will even be given the opportunity to make requests on a first come first served basis of where you would like to work on the day. You’ll gain a thorough understanding of the inner workings of a festival, whilst being immersed in all the wonderful events HowTheLightGetsIn has to offer.
Over the 4 day festival you will work one 5-6 hour shift each day, these shifts will be between the hours of 8:30am - 1:30am. Steward training will be held on Thursday 22nd on site. Please note that we can provide a complimentary camping space in the festival campsite but you must bring your own tent and camping equipment.
What skills would I need?
Our stewards need to be reliable, responsible, and friendly. We’re looking for applicants who are confident engaging with lots of people, and are on-the-ball and alert. Experience stewarding at other events is preferable but not necessary.
