Volunteer FAQs
Frequently asked questions from volunteers.
You will receive an email confirmation as soon as you complete your online application. Please allow approximately two weeks for us to process your application and get back to you.
With over 350 individual applications typically submitted each year, we ask that you please do not contact MWF regarding the status of your application – the Venues and Front of House Manager will get in touch to inform you whether or not you have been successful.
Volunteers must be aged 18 years or older.
We have the following roles available:
- Information and Customer Service
- Venue Support
- Artist Liaison
- Book Signing Support
- Ticket Scanner
Volunteering at MWF requires:
- Customer service skills
- A friendly and professional manner
- Punctuality
- A willingness to follow directions and work in a team
- A commitment to making the Festival a fantastic experience for the public, Festival guests and staff
- Bonus points if you love literature!
Before commencing your work with us as a volunteer, you are required to complete a free online COVID Marshall training session. We will send the link to all successful applicants.
The average shift is approximately four to five hours long.
You will receive a Festival t-shirt to wear on shift – this is your uniform and therefore it is mandatory to wear it at all times during your volunteer shifts. We do ask that you wear this only while you’re on duty, not when you’re attending the Festival as a patron. Other than your Festival t-shirt, you should be neat and tidy with comfortable enclosed shoes. You may be outside for a while too, so please bring something warm to wear underneath your Festival t-shirt.
All volunteers are required to attend the compulsory briefing, regardless of whether or not you have previously volunteered with the Festival. Important information is made available during this session.
- Volunteers will have free access to standard MWF events that are not sold out, and also receive a Festival t-shirt.
- You’ll have the chance to meet lots of people and make new friends.
- You'll develop transferable skills and gain new experiences.
- If you’re interested in working in the industry, it’s a fantastic way to be a part of a highly regarded Festival. It’s also a great way to get a foot in the door; many people who currently work with MWF started as volunteers.