Work With Us

Paid work applications for Boardmasters 2023  are now closed.

We receive a huge number of applications, so, unfortunately, we’re unable to reply to everyone who applied. However, if you are successful, we’ll reach out to you by no later than Monday 17th July with the next steps.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application expressing their interest in joining the team, we couldn’t do it without you!

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We are always on the hunt for new staff to join our team on site with us during the festival. Due to the vast number of applications received with a relatively small number of roles to fill, we won’t be able to respond to everyone – if you have applied then then we will contact you with more information on the next steps in the coming weeks.

We have a number of short-term roles available. If you’re interested in working with us, then please complete the application form below, telling us your availability and select from the roles you’re interested in working in.

Click on one of our available roles below to view the job description:

ACCREDITATION ASSISTANT

FESTIVAL RUNNER

GUESTLIST ASSISTANT

RECEPTION ASSISTANT 

SHOWER ASSISTANT 

Please bear in mind that all of these roles will involve hard work and not much time off during the festival period. If you’d prefer an alternative role which allows you to enjoy more of the festival, check out our volunteers section. Previous festival or events experience is beneficial but not essential, but if you’re enthusiastic, good time and organisational skills then we’d love to hear from you.

Boardmasters is committed to promoting inclusive and equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity , visible or unseen disabilities, sexual orientation, heritage, religion, age, family status, social class or education in line with the Equality Act 2010. We endeavour to create an environment which values individuals which is reflected across the site and in the organisational team.

To volunteer you must be 18 or older when you arrive on site and have the right to work in the UK according to Government guidelines.

JOIN THE WAITING LIST TO HEAR ABOUT 2024 ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES

Work for your ticket applications for Boardmasters 2023  are now closed.

We receive a huge number of applications, so, unfortunately, we’re unable to reply to everyone who applied. However, if you are successful, we’ll reach out to you by no later than Monday 17th July with the next steps.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application expressing their interest in joining the team, we couldn’t do it without you!

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At Boardmasters we are committed to promoting a greener and cleaner festival. Join our Green Team to do your bit for the Cornish Coastline and participate in one of our beach cleans.

We welcome everyone to apply, whether you have experience in the field or this is your first time. If you’re planning on volunteering with a friend, please state this in your application and we will endeavour to ensure you work the same shifts. Roles available include:

• GREEN TEAM
• ACCESSIBILITY TEAM

As a volunteer at Boardmasters you will be required to work over the festival weekend – Wednesday to Sunday. In return for volunteering, you will gain free access to the festival when off shift. You will be required to pay a deposit, equal to the full ticket price, which is returned to you in full on the condition you have completed all your assigned shifts to a suitable standard. If you miss any part or full shift your deposit will not be returned.

Boardmasters is committed to promoting inclusive and equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity , visible or unseen disabilities, sexual orientation, heritage, religion, age, family status, social class or education in line with the Equality Act 2010. We endeavour to create an environment which values individuals which is reflected across the site and in the organisational team.

To volunteer you must be 18 or older when you arrive on site and have the right to work in the UK according to Government guidelines.

JOIN THE WAITING LIST TO HEAR ABOUT 2024 ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES

We receive a lot of requests for work experience and placements at Boardmasters. Unfortunately due to the nature of the work over the festival period, mentorship or shadowing is not feasible. This is due to being at a time of high pressure where the opportunity to advise or supervise someone learning the job becomes untenable.

If you would still like the opportunity to play your part at Boardmasters from behind the scenes, we would recommend checking out our volunteers section.

Local residents work applications for Boardmasters 2023  are now closed.

We receive a huge number of applications, so, unfortunately, we’re unable to reply to everyone who applied. However, if you are successful, we’ll reach out to you by no later than Monday 17th July with the next steps.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application expressing their interest in joining the team, we couldn’t do it without you!

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As part of our commitment to engaging with the local communities surrounding Boardmasters, we reserve a number of volunteering positions for residents who live in Newquay and surrounding areas.

We have a number of short-term paid and volunteering roles available. If you’re interested in working with us, then please complete the application form below, telling us your availability and select from the roles you’re interested in working in.

Click on one of our available roles below to view the job description:

ACCREDITATION ASSISTANT

FESTIVAL RUNNER

GUESTLIST ASSISTANT

RECEPTION ASSISTANT 

SHOWER ASSISTANT 

GREEN TEAM (UNPAID)

Boardmasters is committed to promoting inclusive and equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity , visible or unseen disabilities, sexual orientation, heritage, religion, age, family status, social class or education in line with the Equality Act 2010. We endeavour to create an environment which values individuals which is reflected across the site and in the organisational team.

To volunteer you must be 18 or older when you arrive on site and have the right to work in the UK according to Government guidelines.

JOIN THE WAITING LIST TO HEAR ABOUT 2024 ROLES & OPPORTUNITIES

If you’ve never been to a festival before, read about what to expect. Working at events can be exciting but also challenging at times.

• You will be outside in all weather.
• Shifts can be long and sometimes through the night.
• Living conditions are often cramped and noisy.
• You will be around customers who may be drunk and sometimes misbehaving!

As with any other job, you should make sure you understand what your responsibilities are, who your supervisor is and who to speak to if something goes wrong.

It is best to arrive on the day your employer suggests and follow their instructions for where to go. Bring the phone number of your festival contact with you; there can be hundreds of people working, so staff on gates or box offices might not be able to contact everyone.

A good starting point is our Festival Kit List; plenty of warm layers, sturdy boots, waterproofs and a hat are a must when you’re working. Bring a travel towel and a wash bag with a hook to hang on the back of the shower door.

You may be at the festival for longer than customers, so make sure you bring enough changes of clothes as there may not be anywhere to do laundry. If the weather is bad it can be hard to dry wet, muddy clothes.

If you are working on a site away from where you live and have children or pets, you shouldn’t assume you can bring them along. Check with the organisers first to see if this is ok.

You should check beforehand if you will need any PPE (personal protective equipment) and whether you need to provide this yourself. For example, if you are working before the festival opens to the public, then you may need safety footwear or a hi-vis vest.

Things get lost and stolen so consider whether you really need to take something before packing it. Find out more about how to avoid theft and things you can do to help lost items find their way back to you.

Travel

In most cases, you will need to make your own way to site, but we will let you know if we have made other arrangements.

Most workers will stay on site at the festival. You will be sent an accommodation letter and production pack which includes information on where you will be staying, as you might need to bring your own camping gear.

Crew Camping

This is a separate area from the customer campsites. You’ll need a staff wrist band or accreditation to get in. You will usually need to bring your own tent so read more about all things camping related here. In crew camping people need to get sleep before working so try and keep noise to a minimum. You shouldn’t bring friends who aren’t working back there. If you want a tent drink after you finish your shift, visit your mates in the customer camp sites!

Bunkabins

If you’re lucky you might be offered a ‘Bunkabin’ which is a porta cabin with beds inside. You will probably have to share with other staff and you should check if you need to bring your own bedding.

Off-site accommodation

If you’re really lucky then you might be offered a room in a hotel or hostel off site. Again, you will probably have to share with other workers. You’ll also need to consider how you will get back and forth to the site for your shifts.

Remember that where you stay might be a long walk from where you are working so leave enough time to get across site. Read more about getting around site.

For the safety of everyone on a festival site vehicle movement (including cars, buggies, plant or any other vehicle) should always be kept to a minimum. If you do have to drive on site:

• respect the speed limit (usually 5mph);
• drive cautiously and be mindful of pedestrians;
• stick to allocated tracks and wherever possible stay off the grass especially if it’s wet and muddy;
• don’t overload buggies with extra passengers;
• never drive plant vehicles, such as forklifts or telehandlers, without the correct licence.

If you are required to drive a plant vehicle onsite, you will be required to complete a Driver’s Release Form in advance. If you haven’t completed one, you are legally not permitted to drive any vehicle(s) on site.

Toilets

The good news is that, as a worker, you will have access to staff toilets in back of house areas. The bad news is that all festival toilets, whether for workers or customers, tend to end up getting a bit grimy!

Showers

There will be washing facilities and sometimes showers available for staff to use in crew camping areas. The queues can get quite long, but when you’re there to work, it’s even more important to keep on top of your personal hygiene, particularly if you’re working in food outlets or bars. No one wants to buy their burger from someone stinking of body odour!

Catering Vouchers

Catering vouchers can be exchanged for meals with food vendors in the festival. Vouchers can’t always be spent with all traders, so find out where you can use them. They will have a set value so you might need to subsidise them with your own money if you want something more expensive.

Crew Catering

The crew catering tent is like a big canteen where there are sittings of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Crew catering vouchers can be exchanged for meals at the allotted times. Take a picture of the schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss your time slot!

If you do bring your own food, make sure you get rid of your food waste in the correct way and recycle other waste wherever possible. A tidy camp is a happy camp!

If you have any medical related dietary requirements you should think about how you’ll cope with limited food options available, please contact a member of the team to make make this known so we can accommodate accordingly.

Don’t underestimate how tiring it can be working at a festival. You need to look after your mental and physical health to avoid exhaustion and make sure you can do your job safely.

• Get enough sleep.
• Eat regularly.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
• Take enough breaks when you are working.
• Be sun smart, wear a hat and a high SPF sun cream.
• Wear waterproofs if it’s wet.
• Know who to speak to if you need help.
• Don’t burn the candle at both ends – you are there to work!

If you are unwell you can visit the Welfare Team who will be able to help. They are experienced, non-judgemental people who can give confidential advice about mental health, alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, and offer support if you need someone to talk to.

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that require medication, don’t forget to bring this with you. Tell someone you are working with where to access it in an emergency. If it needs to be stored in a fridge, or you have specific medical requirements, please inform us so we can accommodate accordingly.

Make sure that you know where the Medical and Welfare teams are located on site. This is also useful in case you spot customers who are struggling and may need help as well as for yourself.

Wellbeing

If at any point during your time at Boardmasters you, a friend or a stranger appears unwell, head to one of the Welfare Tents where our team of professionals will assist you. We have one located in the main arena by the main entrance and one in Lakey’s campsite. The Welfare team offer a comfortable environment to anyone who feels unsafe, needs to take 5, or speak to someone. They are a team of experienced, non-judgemental people who can give confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs, sexual health, mental health and offer support if you need someone to talk to.

This year, the Welfare team will be joined by SARSAS, offering specialist services for sexual harassment or assault.

Our welfare tents have a calm space if you feel anxious and the teams can help if you find yourself stranded. They also care for lost and vulnerable people including children.

Our welfare team is not there to make judgements or get you in trouble. Their service is confidential so you can be honest with them about any problems you are experiencing and they will do their best to help you. Their primary role is to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone on site, no issue is too big or too small just simply visit their tent on site and they will be happy to help.

Sometimes you can find yourself in a situation that isn’t safe or that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you can’t access help from our Welfare tent in the Main Arena or campsite our bars operate Ask for Angela, where you can discreetly ask for help from a member of staff if this happens.

Mental Health

Looking after our mental health and wellbeing at festivals is so important as it helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Everyone has mental health, it includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Every year one in four of us will experience a mental health problem.

We want to create a happy, safe and exciting space but it can also sometimes be overwhelming. Getting enough sleep, eating regularly and pacing yourself are key if you want to stay on top form.

If you have an existing mental health condition:

• bring any medication you are on with you and remember to take it as prescribed;
• if it’s your first time, read about what to expect in the ‘what to expect’ section above;
• before you go, think about whether certain situations could be difficult for you, for example big crowds, and try to mentally prepare yourself for what it might be like and what you would do if you become overwhelmed;
• people often forget to eat at festivals. If you have an eating problem think about whether you would prefer to bring your own food or whether you will feel ok buying from the vendors on site;
• if you have a history of poor mental health, you may be more likely to experience negative effects with alcohol and other drugs. Find out more here;
• if you are on medication for a mental health condition be mindful of how this could interact with alcohol and other drugs;
• try to be open with your friends and let them know if you are struggling or need help.

Please be kind to everyone and respect the surroundings you’re in.

Getting to watch music and enjoy the festival on your time off is one of the perks of working at an event but you need to be realistic about how much of this you’ll be able to do. You probably won’t be able to choose your time off, so it’s best not to arrive with a schedule of bands you think you’ll watch.

You will often be working long shifts, so it’s important to use some of your time off to rest and recuperate enough to avoid exhaustion.

It’s fine to meet friends and have a drink when you’re not working but don’t burn the candle at both ends. You need to turn up on time, sober and rested enough to work your shifts! Think about the time needed to sober up to be in a fit state for work and factor this in to your plans.

When you sign up to work at an event you agree to follow the site rules. This means that as a worker you should not take drugs, even when you aren’t on shift.

Everyone should play a part in looking after the site and each other. When you are a worker you have a responsibility to report things that don’t seem right, to help the event run smoothly.

• If you see someone who is struggling, ask if they are ok and if necessary alert a member of the security team or a medic.
• If you spot someone unconscious and alone alert the medics immediately.
• If you spot a problem with the site infrastructure, for example a broken fence, don’t just ignore it! Ask a member of event staff with a radio to report it.
• If you see any scenario in which tensions are escalating, report it immediately to a member of the security team.
• If you witness any kind of sexual assault don’t be a bystander, report it immediately to a member of the security team.

A festival can feel like a relaxed working environment but you still need to behave in a professional and responsible way. When you are wearing branded crew clothes or even just hi-vis and work wear, you are recognisable as someone associated with the event and you should be aware of how behaviour could be interpreted.

• Always be respectful of customers and other staff.
• Look after any equipment or kit you are given and return it when you leave.
• Respect the land and the site.
• Where possible recycle to contribute to making the festival cleaner and greener.
• If you’re having a drink when you’re not working, it’s better to change out of any work wear and branded clothes.
• If you’re working around talent or music artists, remain professional and act with respect and discretion – approaching talent for photos or autographs is frowned upon.
• Be mindful of discussing anything on or off site that could be considered confidential or an inappropriate story to share. You don’t know who could be listening!

You might want to share your festival experience with your mates on social media but think carefully about what you post. Things you shouldn’t share include:

• pictures of any staff accreditation including laminates and wristbands;
• pictures of control rooms or staff meetings;
• details of artists’ riders or behaviour;
• stories about things going wrong – no matter how funny they might seem!
• anything confidential or that could reflect badly on the event.