Oxfam festival volunteer scanning a festivalgoers ticket and smiling

Festival details

  • 24 - 29 June 2026

  • Highlands Park, Chelmsford

  • Deposit: £250 (Refundable: see FAQs)

  • No children allowed at this festival

  • Roles: Stewards, Campaigners, Shop volunteers

24 - 29 June 2026

State Fayre

Festival details

  • 24 - 29 June 2026

  • Highlands Park, Chelmsford

  • Deposit: £250 (Refundable: see FAQs)

  • No children allowed at this festival

  • Roles: Stewards, Campaigners, Shop volunteers

Volunteer at State Fayre with Oxfam

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

Join Oxfam’s team of festival stewards and be part of the action at a brand new music event.

Sign ups open 3rd Feb but you can subscribe to our newsletter below to stay up to date.

Why Volunteer at State Faye?

When you volunteer at State Fayre, you’ll enjoy:

  • The chance to be part of the friendly Oxfam festival crew, meet fellow volunteers and make lifelong friends.
  • Plenty of time off to explore a brand new festival with big name acts.
  • The satisfaction of helping Oxfam's mission for a fairer world.

Rob Carmier

Oxfam festival steward smiling with eyes closed and arms out

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 & hot showers

  • A free meal token per shift

About the Volunteer Roles

As a State Fayre steward, you’ll be part of the team that keeps the 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.

Find out more

Rob Carmier

Oxfam Leeds steward volunteering on a gate and jumping in the air

About State Fayre

Billed as the UK’s largest music and barbecue festival, State Fayre brings a big, Americana-inspired vibe to Britain, with spectacular headliners like Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette and The Lumineers, alongside a wide roster of rock, country and folk acts.

The event mixes live music with mouthwatering BBQ, vegetarian and vegan food stalls, craft drinks, fairground rides, food talks and boutique camping, all inspired by the spirit of American state fairs and long summer nights.

2026 Lineup

Interested in signing up?

Sign up to our newsletter to be among the first to find out when applications open.

Practical Information

Parking

Free crew parking is available at all our festivals including State Fayre.

Public Transport

The closest train station to State Fayre is Chelmsford.

  • 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.

Drew Eckheart

Oxfam steward working on a festival gate