MiF Volunteering

After I had such a fun time volunteering for Manchester International Festival back in 2009, it was a total no brainer when it came to reapplying this year.

Volunteer recruitment starts around 6 months prior to the 2 week festival. As I was applying for a role of photographer, I had to put together a portfolio to take along for an interview (obviously I was sucessful) and then the emails start! Although the festival spans 2 & a bit weeks in July, requests for volunteers can start weeks before hand as various shows & events need helping hands.

It’s the induction in early June that makes everything feel really real & exciting as this is where you receive the volunteer essentials – accreditation, handbook, shirt, bag and arguably the most important – waterproof coat!

The main difference for me this year is that I’ll be one of the volunteer photographers, however there’s always the option to have a go at other roles. Today I spent my day assisting with costumes for That Day We Sang, which involved labelling, sorting, sewing, & repairing costumes. Tomorrow I’m off for more of the same so time for bed.