Reading Festival

As a Reading Festival steward, you’ll be part of the team that keeps Reading Festival running smoothly and safely. From welcoming people at the gates and checking tickets, to supporting festivalgoers on the accessibility platforms, you’ll play a vital role in creating a great experience for everyone.

It’s a varied, hands-on role that’s perfect if you enjoy being helpful, meeting people, and being at the heart of the festival.

Shifts: 3 x 8¼-hour shifts.

Impact: For every stewarding shift you work, the festival pays Oxfam for your time. That means every hour you give, is raising money to support communities around the world who are fighting against poverty.

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You’ll spend your days chatting with festivalgoers, sharing the stories behind Oxfam’s latest campaigns, and inspiring people to take simple but powerful actions - like signing a petition or making a pledge - that can make a global difference.

It’s a brilliant role if you love talking to people, being out and about, and want to be part of something meaningful while soaking up the festival atmosphere.

Shifts: 4 x 6-hour daytime shifts ending before the headline acts.

Impact: Campaigning at festivals helps us raise awareness of key global issues, brings in new supporters for Oxfam, and helps us put names and voices behind the campaigns we take to governments.

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Parking

Free crew parking is available at all our festivals including Reading.

Public Transport

Reading Station is just 1.1 miles from the festival site. While the festival is in walkable distance, there will also be a crew shuttle available.

Directions can be found here

• Tent and camping gear
• A reusable bottle and mug
• Warm clothes and comfortable shoes
• Toilet roll
• Hat and sunscreen
• Powerbank

A full packing list can be found here.

When you sign up as a volunteer steward, you will have the option to create a friendship group which lets you link up with up to five friends or family members so we can schedule your shifts at the same time.

Many volunteers join us solo and quickly find themselves part of a warm, welcoming community.

Whether you're in the campsite or on shift, there are plenty of opportunities to meet fellow volunteers and make new friends to explore the festival with.