Festival Volunteer – Reading Festival 2026

Get behind the scenes at Reading Festival, meet people from around the world, and gain brilliant CV experience — all while watching amazing live music for free.

You’ll be the friendly face helping festival-goers have the best time. You might help people find their way around, assist them pitching tents, answer questions about the line-up, or keep watch from the fire towers. You’ll work 3 shifts of 8 hours across the week (usually a mix of early morning, evening and night shifts) — but you’ll have guaranteed time off to watch your favourite bands perform.

You’ll develop customer service and communication skills by helping thousands of festival-goers. You’ll learn how to work as part of a team with volunteers from around the world, handle pressure during busy periods, and take responsibility for people’s safety and experience. These are exactly the skills employers want to see.

This is perfect if you’re thinking about careers in event management, hospitality, security, customer service, or community work. You’ll see how large-scale events are run from the inside and make real connections in the events industry.

This is ideal for students aged 18+ who enjoy working with people, can stay calm under pressure, and want to be part of something exciting while building their career skills.