Driver/chaperones for school events
The schools events take place on the Thursday of the Festival weekend. There are 16 schools' events and we need drivers who can check in at the Schools Hub/Jaffé & Neale; collect branding materials, the author, bookseller and books. Drive to the school; set up; ensure author has everything they need eg water; help with bookselling and signing at the end of the event (get children in a line, money ready etc and names written on a piece of paper can help the author). Drive kit and people back to Schools Hub/Jaffé & Neale.
Front of House Managers
In order to improve the smooth running of events, we need Front of House managers who can give a minimum of a half day at one venue – times will vary according to venue use. The venue will be set up so duties include ensuring that it is kept in order between events, that any sponsors/VIPs are welcomed, any sponsorship requirements are sorted for each event, tickets taken and time keeping is maintained. Also to understand the booksellers' requirements. You will usually be supported by at least one usher. You will be given a two-way radio so that you can checkin/liaise with the Event Hub. This role is very well suited to those with previous Festival experience.
Ushers
We ask that ushers can give us ½ a day (minimum) of their time to support the Front of House Managers so this role is good for first timers or those with less time available. You will help welcome the audience; take tickets; know who is who at each event; help tidy up after events.
Runners and booksellers
Being a runner doesn't necessarily mean running! As a runner, you will be assigned a venue but you will come and go from it in response to any needs of author or Festival staff. Liaison with the Front of House team is vital.
Jaffé & Neale Bookshop run pop-up bookshops in the Theatre, the Town Hall and the ACE Centre. The Festival will run small cash-only bookshops selling just the books related to a specific event in the other venues. Bookselling in these venues will take place at the end of events and this is a role that could well be combined with a runner or usher role.
People with local knowledge
We need just a few people with local knowledge, to staff the Festival information base and generally be a friendly Festival face and willing source of all knowledge. This can be a half-day role.
Trouble-shooters
Based in the Volunteer/Event hub, this is a vital all or nothing role – if nothing goes wrong it is a nothing role – otherwise quick reactions to sort the unexpected are what is required to cover for non-attendance, additional staffing problems, runners for forgotten equipment etc etc. We need two on duty at all times over the weekend – hours can be split but the longer the better!
Promotion team members
The young at heart to walk round the town shouting about how good we are and helping visitors find their way around town, suggesting events, giving out information, programmes etc! You will need to be extrovert and work in pairs or threes. We need people between 9 and 4 on Saturday and 9 and 2 on Sunday .
Clear-up crew!
Finally, and very importantly, at the end of the Festival on Sunday afternoon – the work is not heavy or difficult, but many hands make light work!
