Volunteer at Festival of Dissent

Dissent doesn't always look like a protest. Sometimes it's asking a difficult question. Sometimes it's making something unexpected. Sometimes it's listening differently or seeing the world from another perspective. 

On Saturday 5 September, Lancaster Arts and The Gregson Community & Arts Centre are inviting people to Festival of Dissent, a day of performances, workshops, conversations and creative activities exploring what dissent can mean through art, ideas and shared experiences. We'd love you to be part of it. 

As a Festival of Dissent volunteer, you'll get: 

  • The opportunity to support artists delivering workshops and activities created especially for the festival 

  • The chance to experience unique artworks and installations 

  • Meet artists, participants and fellow volunteers while helping bring the festival to life 

  • Experience supporting an arts festival 

We think of our volunteers as Festival Gardeners. Throughout the day, you'll welcome people, join in, notice what's happening and help ideas and conversations grow. Every volunteer will receive a handmade Festival Gardener badge and a small notebook to capture memorable moments. 

More practically, this might include: 

  • Welcoming people and helping them feel at home 

  • Supporting artists and activities taking place both in and around the Gregson 

  • Spending time in different spaces throughout the day, helping the festival flow 

  • Invigilating unique art installations 

  • Lending a hand with set up, monitoring and other practical tasks 

  • Noticing the conversations, ideas and moments that make the festival unique, and capturing them in your Festival Gardener notebook. 

Requirements: 

  • Availability on Saturday 5 September (there's no need to be available all day. We'd love to hear from anyone who can offer a few hours of their time.) - the day for volunteers starts at 10:30, and workshops will run until 6pm 

  • Attend one of the online meetings on 17 or 25 August (6.00–6.30pm) 

  • Join the volunteer induction during the week of the festival (date to be confirmed) 

We're also happy to meet with people one-to-one if you can't make one of the online meetings. 

To express your interest, email volunteer@lancasterarts.org with your availability. We look forward to meeting you! 

Posted on 18th Aug, 2026