2024 introduces the theme of Human.Kind for Bloomsbury Festival, inspiring partners, creatives, and organisations an a multitude of ways. From A.I. and medicine, to philosophy and kindness, and everything in between.
We need your help to ensure a smooth running festival in October, taking place over 10 days and in multiple venues across Bloomsbury. By becoming Event Stewards you become representatives of the Festival, have access to places sometimes closed to the general public, and get to experience a diverse and exciting arts, cultures and science festival first hand.
It is a great way to learn more about the Bloomsbury area and the people within it, as well as get to experience some amazing events in music, art, theatre, talks, and more.
The people you will get to meet are vast and of varying backgrounds, industries and careers, providing a brilliant chance to network and meet with creatives and professionals.
Designed for anyone (18+) who has an interest in supporting the festival and/or gaining additional skills and work experience.
We are looking for people with a friendly and approachable manner who may also be comfortable to take on some responsibilities in crowd management.
The duties of our Event Stewards are to assist our staff at events and venues with crowd management and audience feedback, all volunteers will be briefed in advance but when in doubt you can refer to either a festival staff member present or the 2024 brochure.
You may occasionally be asked to help with set up or pack up of an event under the supervision of a staff member.
If you are allocated to a guided walking tour, you will be the main representative of the Festival during this walk. Ensuring audiences keep up with the tour guide and that the walk is proceeding with little issues.
Event Stewards will also be helping with our evaluation and feedback collection at venues, events and walks. At free turn-up events you may be asked to keep track of audience numbers, promote our feedback QR code and physical forms, as well as report back any feedback from audiences you may hear. We are constantly wanting to evolve the Festival but cannot be in multiple venues at once, Event Stewards assist our festival evaluations and reporting by prompting attendees to provide feedback.
Event Partners will include multiple professionals within their field, as well as recognised artists, culture and academic institutions, and community organisations.
Interacting with the general public, you will also be working with fellow volunteer Event Stewards.
Depending on the events you steward you may also be working closely at the beginning of events with our Box Office team.
Wednesday 25 September - Introduction to the Festival and Team
Learn more about what Bloomsbury Festival does. Meet our Festival Team, hear more about their roles within the Festival.
Friday 27 September - Meet and Greet
An in person gathering to meet your fellow volunteers and some of the core festival team. Drinks and snacks on behalf of the festival. Details to be sent closer to the time.
Wednesday 2 October - Bloomsbury Venue Tour
A walking tour of the Bloomsbury area, passing by many of the venues which will host Festival events and exhibitions. Familiarise yourself with the various buildings and locations which work with the Festival, as well as the routes you can take to get to them during your shifts.
Wednesday 9 October - Operational Briefing
Dedicated to cover what the tasks and responsibilities are expected of the Stewards. Daily tasks, where and who to report to each day, responsibilities, and any key details about the Festival Stewards should be aware of.
Additional training sessions may be added in September, including an introduction to Event Management and Box Office. Confirmed volunteers will receive updates regarding any additions.
Time commitment
We will need Event Stewards for various events, hubs and walks throughout the 10 days of October (18th - 27th) however if you let us know your availability beforehand we can allocate you to shifts that suit your schedule, we only ask that after the Stewarding schedule is confirm you are committed to attending your allocated shifts.
Festival days can begin early (generally from 10am) and can go on until late evening (on occasion until 10pm), depending on the events you sign up for. There is no expectation to do full days, you can organise with your supervisor to just attend morning, afternoon or evening sessions to work around any timetables.
For events such as our Opening Launch Night (Friday 18th Oct.) and our 3 day Discovery Hub (24th-26th Oct.) we may need Stewards to attend a 3-4 hour shift but this will be upon agreement with your volunteer supervisor.
Overall, there is no specific number of shifts Stewards are expected to attend during the festival. However, we do expect Stewards to be available for a few events throughout the festival.