18-20 JULY 2025
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Surge Volunteer Programme: Festival Assistant Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers for SURGE Festival 2026 which takes place on the 25th - 26th July & 1st - 2nd August in Glasgow outdoors in the Merchant City. We are also looking for volunteers to assist with Festival preparation the week leading up to SURGE, week commencing 20th July.
The programme is an annual opportunity for the successful candidates to gain experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival.
Benefits:
● Building connections with artists, producers and other volunteers
● Full training
● Experience interacting with the public
● Experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival
● Free meals provided per volunteering day
● Travel expenses covered
● Opportunity to see outdoor street theatre performances at the festival
Dates:
Monday 15th June (5pm): Closing date for applications
Tuesday 23rd June: Volunteer interviews (short, informal interview)
Tuesday 14th July: Training Session (late afternoon/ evening) Merchant City, Glasgow
20th – 24th July: 1 volunteer shift during the week
25th – 26th July: SURGE Festival, both days
And/ or
1st – 2nd August: SURGE Festival, both days
You must be available for the interview, training session and be available to volunteer one shift between 20th - 24th July plus 25th – 26th July and/ or 1st – 2nd August.
Duties will include:
FESTIVAL PREP:
● Assisting with setting up dressing rooms and costumes;
● Running duties.
● Artist Arrival assistance
DURING SURGE:
● Artist liaison;
● Stewarding;
● Welcoming and directing the festival visitors and audience during events and performances;
● Undertaking audience evaluations;
● Assisting with organising the dressing room/workshop spaces;
● Running duties.
The ideal candidates will have an active interest in the arts - especially street arts, physical theatre and circus and an enthusiasm for learning behind the scenes, helping with festival artists and engaging with members of the public.
The chosen candidates will get first-hand experience volunteering with festival performances and performers and shall hopefully take this experience on to future work within the arts.
To apply, please send the following by Monday 15th June (5pm):
● A copy of your CV
● Your availability across the festival dates
● 500-word statement outlining your specific interest in the post, and what particular skills / qualities you will bring to it.
Applications should be emailed by: to Rosa Thomas – Producer - rosa@surge.scot
For enquiries, please contact us on 07506721574
Please note this opportunity is open to volunteers who are 18 years +
As this is a public facing role, strong verbal communication skills in English is essential.
ABOUT SURGE:
Surge runs projects to develop street arts, physical theatre and circus in Scotland. We work with artists, performance companies and educators at all levels of experience. SURGE Festival is our annual festival of Physical Theatre, Street Arts and Circus and takes place each summer and brings new Scottish work and cutting-edge international performances to the streets, theatres and unusual spaces of Glasgow.
Follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, Instagram and TikTok:
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