Priority
How does Priority Work?
Every year we open our stewarding places to volunteers with Priority first, a few days before we open them to everyone else. This gives you a chance to log in and grab a place at our most popular events first.
What do I need to get Priority?
Currently, to get priority access when we open our applications, you need to have either:
- Volunteered at two or more qualifying festivals last year (at least one of which must be as a stewarding volunteer).
- Volunteered at a total of seven or more qualifying festivals across the last seven years.
This means, to get Priority for 2025, you will need to have volunteered at least twice in 2024 (once stewarding), or at least 7 times in total between 2018 and 2024.
We review these criteria from time to time, so please be aware that the criteria for Priority in 2026 may be different.
Priority FAQS:
How do I know whether I have Priority?
Every autumn after the festival season we calculate who has Priority for next year's applications using the criteria above.
If you qualify, we'll email you with the good news just before Christmas.
If I have to cancel my application for a festival, does it still count towards Priority?
Sorry, if you have to cancel your festival place for whatever reason, it will not be counted when we calculate Priority.
Why do Oxfam have the Priority system?
Priority helps us offer the best possible stewarding service by ensuring the experienced volunteers whose skills we rely on have the opportunity to come back each year.
It also helps us more effectively raise funds for Oxfam's work, because every volunteer who returns for another summer helps to reduce our training and recruitment costs.
Why aren't the shop or campaigner roles offered in Priority?
Stewarding places are filled on a first-come-first-served basis, which is why it's really important to get in early to secure your place.
Unlike stewarding, all festival shop and campaign applications are considered, and the best candidates are offered a role at the festival. These selection processes means there is not the same pressure to grab a place early.
Which festivals count towards the Priority criteria?
All our multi-day festivals count towards the Priority criteria.
Volunteering at the one-day Lytham events does not count towards Priority, however volunteering for the five-day option at Lytham does.