Fancy playing a key role in the UK’s biggest light festival next month? There’s still time to sign up as a volunteer for this year’s Lumiere.
Durham County Council, which commissions the festival, and producers Artichoke, are searching for a crew of volunteers who will enjoy the event from a unique perspective and help it sparkle this November.
People with a friendly personality and passion for the festival are encouraged to apply to be a Festival Maker if they’re over the age of 18 by Wednesday 1 November.
Roles include welcoming visitors to Durham City, helping them find their way around the installations and telling people about the artworks.
Volunteers could also be called on to assist in the running of the Festival Visitor Hub or offer practical help when needed, such as delivering items to production staff.
Kaye Stephenson, principal aquatics manager at the council, volunteered for Lumiere in 2015 and believes there are many reasons to become a Festival Maker.
She said: “It was great to play a role in a major event in Durham and see all the attractions from an inside point of view.
“Not only will it utilise your skills and knowledge, it will boost your confidence and self-esteem and also enhance your CV – and it’s great for networking and making friends.”
This year’s Festival Makers are supported by landlord and developer Thirteen.
Ian Wardle, chief executive of Thirteen, said: “Thirteen is proud to be developing high quality, affordable housing in the Durham area. However, we are more than just a landlord and it’s important that we support the communities we work in.
“Lumiere is such a major event and highlights all that is good about the city, so we’re delighted to be supporting the amazing volunteers who give up their time to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the festival have the very best experience.”
Volunteers will need to be available for at least two shifts of between four and seven and a half hours during the festival, which runs from Thursday, 16 November to Sunday, 19 November – as well as attending a couple of meetings before the event.
Everyone is welcome to take part whether first time volunteers or those with previous experience.
Julie Lavery, Durham County Council’s volunteer and skills manager, said: “We have some amazing and passionate people in County Durham who generously give up their time to make our events even more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
“We’ve already had so many people sign up to volunteer for Lumiere, so if you want to enhance your CV, have fun and help light up the city this year it would be great to hear from you.” Follow #LumiereDurham for the latest news and information about Lumiere 2017. To sign up to be a Festival Maker visit www.durham.gov.uk/festivalmaker
