How to Volunteer at Literary Festivals
- Denise Tyler
- Nov 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Love books and culture? Do the summer's festivals seem a distant memory? Discover how to volunteer at literary festivals in 2026 and give yourself something to plan and look forward to in the winter months.
To learn how to apply, what roles are available, and why volunteering is such a rewarding experience, read on ...
Volunteers at this year's Cheltenham Festival. Credit: Still Moving Media for Cheltenham Festivals
If you love books, stories, and meeting like-minded people, volunteering at a literary festival is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. From welcoming audiences to assisting authors, volunteers are the heart of every successful festival, offering a friendly, inspiring, and creative environment
Here’s your complete guide to why volunteering is so valuable, how to find opportunities, and what to expect when you join the festival family.
Why Volunteer at a Literary Festival?
1. Celebrate Your Love of Books
Few experiences match the buzz of being surrounded by authors, poets, and readers who share your passion. As a volunteer, you’ll be right in the middle of the literary action, helping audiences discover new voices, attend author talks, and connect with the joy of storytelling.
2. Meet Inspiring People
Volunteering brings together people from all walks of life - from writers and publishers to fellow book enthusiasts. You’ll make friends, network with professionals, and gain connections that could lead to future opportunities in the arts, publishing, or events sectors.
3. Learn Valuable Skills
Festival volunteering is hands-on and dynamic. You might help with front-of-house duties, support book signings, manage social media, or guide guests to venues. Every role helps you build communication, teamwork, and organisational skills. All this experience looks great on a CV.
4. Enjoy Unique Perks
Most festivals offer volunteers free entry to events, behind-the-scenes access, or exclusive team gatherings. You’ll gain insights into how a major cultural event comes together, and you’ll do it all while surrounded by creativity and community spirit.
5. Feel Part of Something Bigger
There’s something special about contributing to a festival that celebrates stories, ideas, and imagination. Volunteers help make these events possible and every happy audience member and successful talk owes a little thanks to the team behind the scenes.
How to Find Volunteering Opportunities
1. Start with Festival Websites
Nearly every literary festival has a “Get Involved” or “Volunteer With Us” page. Examples include:
• Manchester Literature Festival - Volunteers at MLF are public facing ambassadors for the organisation, and they welcome volunteers across front-of-house, ticket administration and book signing coordination. More details can be found here: https://manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/get-involved
• Ilkley Literature Festival – Invites volunteers to assist with everything from venue management to social media coverage. To find out more visit: https://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/support-us/volunteer
• Bradford Literature Festival – Celebrated for its inclusive community approach and extensive volunteer programme, details on how to sign up are here: https://www.bradfordlitfest.co.uk/get-involved/volunteer/
“Volunteering at Bradford Literary Festival has opened my eyes to the available opportunities that are out there.” - Festival Volunteer
Check out your favourite festivals on our website and join their mailing lists so you’re the first to know when applications open.
2. Follow Festivals on Social Media
Many festivals announce volunteer opportunities on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. You might see posts inviting applications or stories featuring past volunteers. Liking and commenting can also help you stay visible and connected with organisers.
3. Apply Early and Be Enthusiastic
Most festivals receive lots of applications, so apply early and let your enthusiasm shine. Highlight your love of books, your interest in helping the public, and your flexibility - those are qualities every organiser values.
What Kind of Roles Are Available?
Literary festivals rely on volunteers across a wide range of tasks. You don’t need previous experience - just energy, friendliness, and a willingness to learn.
Front-of-House and Stewarding
Greet guests, check tickets, show people to their seats, and ensure audiences have a great experience. It’s a perfect role if you enjoy engaging with people.
Author and Speaker Support
Assist visiting writers and speakers by guiding them to their venues, helping with book signings, or providing refreshments backstage.
Social Media and Marketing Support
Capture the festival’s atmosphere by taking photos, creating posts, or sharing highlights online. Perfect for anyone interested in digital communication or journalism.
Bookshop and Merchandise Assistant
Help at the festival’s bookstall, organise displays, and assist readers in finding titles by authors speaking at the event. Supervising the ever-popular book signings is likely to be on the agenda too.
Production and Logistics
Support the smooth running of venues - setting up rooms, helping with signage, and keeping the festival timetable on track. Support the Production Team with the daily operations that keep the festival running smoothly.
The Joy of Being Part of the Festival Community
When you join a literary festival team, you become part of a vibrant community celebrating words and ideas. Every festival day is different. One moment you’re ushering guests into a talk by a bestselling author, the next you’re chatting with other volunteers about which book to buy next. The shared excitement of live events, combined with the collective effort of teamwork, makes volunteering an unforgettable experience.
Many volunteers return year after year, forming friendships that last well beyond the festival week. For some, volunteering even leads to paid roles in the arts and events sector. For others, it’s simply about being part of something they love.
Get ready for 2026!
Volunteering at a literary festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who loves bringing people together, literary festivals welcome your energy and enthusiasm.
Take the first step: visit your favourite festival’s website, sign up as a volunteer, and join the world of words from the inside. You’ll meet amazing people, learn valuable skills, and help share the magic of books with others.
To find a full list of Literary festivals near you, visit https://www.ukliteraryfestivals.com/the-festivals-3
Justine.
