Volunteer at the Greenbelt Festival

This blog post was written by Tim Burdon, Christian Aid's Global Neighbours Development Coordinator.

So you’re thinking about volunteering with Christian Aid at Greenbelt? Let me tell you why I think that’s a great idea!

I’ve been coming to Greenbelt since the mid-90s. I’ve always felt at home in this meeting-point of faith, artistry and activism. Greenbelt defies definition. It feels simultaneously mainstream and counter cultural. Parliamentarians and Archbishops share the bill with road protesters and DJs. It’s surprising, challenging, refreshing and joyful.

Festival time is a chance to indulge our imagination. For four days in August we get to glimpse how the world can be when selfishness gives way to community and when cynicism gives way to joy. For as long as I can remember, Christian Aid has been part of the heartbeat of Greenbelt. Festival goers are invited to dream of a world free of poverty and injustice, and to join together in bringing it about.

One of the things I love about it is that as a volunteer you are contributing, making the festival happen. Without volunteers there would be no Greenbelt. I love the fact that volunteering gives me the chance to give back to a festival that has given me so much.

And then of course there are the practical benefits! Meal tickets to spend at the food stalls (although choosing which delicious food to spend them on can be a challenge). Showers - there’s nothing quite so good as that feeling of being freshly showered at a festival. And of course you get your ticket paid for! Whatever volunteering role you do, there will still be plenty of time to soak up the festival: music, talks, crafts, workshops, spirituality and more. The programme is always high quality, but for me the best part of the festival is catching up with friends old and new over a pint or a mug of chai.

So what are you waiting for? Come and join us at Greenbelt, I look forward to meeting you in August.