Boomtown Bound: A Volunteer’s Perspective

Written for Wessex Student Magazine. For an article about the benefits of volunteering at a music festival, clickhere

A firsthand account of volunteering at one of Europe’s largest independent music festivals

The summer sun beat down on the sprawling fields of Matterley Estate. I found myself immersed in a world of vibrant colours and pulsating rhythms. I was surrounded by a diverse community of music lovers. As an Oxfam volunteer at Boomtown Fair, I had an incredible opportunity. I could contribute to this extraordinary event. It also allowed me to make a difference.

A Unique Experience

Volunteering at Boomtown wasn’t just about working hard; it was an unforgettable adventure. I was captivated the moment I stepped onto the festival site. The sheer scale and creativity of the production astounded me. The intricate stages, immersive theatre, and mind-bending art installations transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary.

A Day in the Life of an Oxfam Volunteer

My days as an Oxfam volunteer were filled with a mix of challenging tasks and rewarding experiences. I spent my mornings manning the Oxfam tent. There, I engaged with festivalgoers. I raised awareness about global issues and encouraged donations.

The afternoons were often dedicated to stewarding, guiding festivalgoers to different areas of the site. It was a physically demanding role, but the satisfaction of helping people navigate the sprawling festival grounds made it worthwhile.

Evenings were spent either volunteering at the bars, ensuring responsible alcohol consumption, or enjoying the incredible live music. The diverse lineup of artists, ranging from electronic to punk, provided a soundtrack to our unforgettable summer.

“On my way to shift, I made a friend, turns out they also live in the same city. Basically, every shift you could make a life-long friend. Volunteering brings out another side of you. If you’re not actually sure, then you should do it— because you’re going to grow, and be more independent as well as make new friends and have a good time doing it. I’ve been stewarding for Oxfam for at least five years. It’s an amazing feeling to feel like I’m actually helping Oxfam do their work to raise money and really being part of it. You can come solo, and I’ve done it a lot of times, solo stewarding. You meet people, everyone’s up for a chat. You can just go and hang out and be social. It’s definitely got a different feeling because you’re part of something now. You’re not just individuals. I think it’s a friendlier way to do a festival. I danced for eight hours on one shift. It was great. I was like, ‘this isn’t like work!”

Tessa https://festivals.oxfam.org.uk/info/volunteer-stories/

The Impact of Volunteering

Beyond the fun and excitement, volunteering at Boomtown allowed me to make a tangible impact. The funds raised by Oxfam at the festival contribute to vital humanitarian work around the world. By volunteering, I played a small part in supporting communities affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster.

A Lasting Impression

My time at Boomtown was more than just a volunteer experience; it was a transformative journey. I met incredible people from all walks of life. I learned valuable skills. I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of music and community.

If you’re looking for a unique and rewarding volunteer experience, I highly recommend signing up to volunteer at Boomtown Fair. It’s an opportunity to combine your love of music with your desire to make a difference.

To make an application to volunteer for Oxfam at music festivals, visit https://www.oxfamapps.org.uk/festivals/register-interest/

Join these Facebook groups for more information, experiences, volunteer leads and photographs of UK music festivals