The crowd at the Reading festival main stage

Festival details

  • 25 - 31 August 2026

  • Richfield Avenue, Reading

  • Deposit: £250. (Refundable: see FAQs)

  • No children allowed at this festival

  • Roles: Stewards, Campaigners

25 - 31 August 2026

Reading Festival

Festival details

  • 25 - 31 August 2026

  • Richfield Avenue, Reading

  • Deposit: £250. (Refundable: see FAQs)

  • No children allowed at this festival

  • Roles: Stewards, Campaigners

Volunteer at Reading Festival with Oxfam

Make friends, enjoy the festival and support a fairer world.

Join Oxfam’s team of festival stewards or campaigners and be part of the action at one of the UK’s biggest music events.

Sign ups open in the new year but you can subscribe to our newsletter below to stay up to date.

Why volunteer at Reading Festival with Oxfam?

When you choose to volunteer at Reading Festival, you’ll enjoy:

  • Plenty of time off to enjoy a truly legendary festival.
  • The chance to be part of the friendly Oxfam festival crew, meet fellow volunteers and make lifelong friends.
  • The satisfaction of helping Oxfam's mission for a fairer world.

What Perks do Volunteers Get?

We have our own crew campsite, equipped with:

  • A social marquee to meet with other volunteers

  • Free tea and coffee 24/7

  • Free phone charging facilities to keep you connected.

  • Access to crew loos & showers

  • A free meal token per shift

About Reading Festival

Reading Festival proudly holds the title of the UK’s longest continuously running popular music festival. Every August Bank Holiday Weekend, acclaimed artists from around the world come together to deliver unforgettable performances across genres, from rock and indie to hip hop and pop.

It’s the ultimate destination for music lovers seeking big-name acts and a buzzing festival atmosphere, with the added charm of being able to retreat at night to the Oxfam campsite, accessible via a staff boat across the river.

Its central location makes it easy to reach, just a short walk from Reading train station, with shops, restaurants, and entertainment close by.

2026 Line Up

About the Volunteer Roles

Stewarding

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:

Weekend Festival: 3 x 8¼-hour shifts.

Campaigning

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.

Interested in signing up?

Express your interest and sign up to our newsletter to be among the first to find out when applications open.

Getting to Reading Festival

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.