VOLUNTEER
2026 VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!
If you’d like to get involved as an Official Festival Volunteer this year, we’d love to hear from you!
Applications are now open to join our volunteer team, who help support visitors and festival participants throughout the event. Volunteers are at the heart of the festival, creating a friendly and welcoming experience across the city.
It’s also a great opportunity to explore Glasgow, meet new people, and be part of something truly special.
Roles may include welcoming visitors, supporting tours, or sharing information about what’s happening across the festival. There are opportunities in a wide range of venues and locations and we try to match volunteers with their areas of interest.
“I never knew the Pipe Factory existed before so to see the building, and to hear about the future plans was very interesting. It was also my first visit to the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre. To see the masks on display and to hear the history of mask making during the workshop tour was fascinating.”
– 2025 Volunteer
To sign up, please complete our online Volunteer Application Form by clicking the “Apply to Volunteer” button below. The deadline for applications is Monday, 13 July.
Volunteers at the ARC Festival Hub, University of Glasgow, during Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Volunteers are the heartbeat of our festival helping create a friendly and welcoming experience for visitors across the city.
Meet people
As part of a warm, sociable team you’ll meet fellow volunteers, members of the public, and organisers.
See behind doors
Discover Glasgow’s hidden stories and buildings. Our volunteers talk about how much they learned from participating in the festival.
Gain experience
Get behind the scenes of Glasgow’s largest free heritage festival. Build your confidence, learn new skills and receive a reference after the festival.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Tasks
You might be welcoming visitors, supporting tours, or sharing information about what’s happening across the festival, with opportunities across a wide range of venues and locations. Volunteers help facilitate tours of historic buildings, support kids activities, and promote the festival at our Festival Hub.
Support
Before the festival begins, you’ll be invited to an online training session with multiple dates to choose from.
At the start of the festival week, you’ll have the chance to meet other volunteers and the Festival Team at our Volunteer Induction.
Throughout the festival, the Volunteer Coordinator will be based at the Festival Hub to support you, and you’ll be able to stay connected via our volunteer WhatsApp group.
Your time
Take one shift or many, we’ll fit around your availability. The main festival dates are 17–20 September 2026, (with our Schools Programme also happening from 14–18 September). Shifts are usually four hours long, with morning, afternoon and evening slots available.
What you get
Festival t-shirt. Build valuable experience. Reference letter on request. Travel expenses. Invitation to the post-festival Civic Reception at City Chambers
FAQS
Is there an age requirement?
– Yes, volunteers must be over the age of 18.
What if I have accessibility needs?
– Just let us know what your needs are in the Volunteer Application Form and we’ll do our best to support you and make any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can take part comfortably.
Will I be out of pocket?
– No, you will be able to claim for your travel via public transport within Glasgow region, up to the value of £10.
Do I have to already be a member of the PVG Scheme in Scotland to be a volunteer?
– If you’re already a member, great – just share your Disclosure Number when you join. If not, no problem – we’ll apply for your Disclosure Certificate through Disclosure Scotland during onboarding, free of charge.
Left image: One of our volunteers with Stanley from Bike for Good at The Burrell Collection during Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2025. Right image: One of our festival volunteers with one of the puppeteers from the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre
“I learned a good deal about the architectural movements at the time the building [the Ottoman Coffee House] was constructed that I was speaking about. It gave me a better sense of what the city was like at the time and the rich heritage it has.”
– 2025 Volunteer
