Surge are looking for volunteers for SURGE Festival 2026 which takes place on the 25 – 26 July & 1- 2 August in Glasgow outdoors in the Merchant City. They are also looking for volunteers to assist with Festival preparation the week leading up to SURGE, week commencing 20 July.
The programme is an annual opportunity for the successful candidates to gain experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival.
Benefits:
• Building connections with artists, producers and other volunteers
• Full training
• Experience interacting with the public
• Experience of assisting in the running of a major arts festival
• Free meals provided per volunteering day
• Travel expenses covered
• Opportunity to see outdoor street theatre performances at the festival
Dates:
15 June (5pm): Closing date for applications
23 June: Volunteer interviews (short, informal interview)
14 July: Training Session (late afternoon/ evening) Merchant City, Glasgow
20 – 24 July: One volunteer shift during the week
25 – 26 July: SURGE Festival, both days
and / or
1 – 2 August: SURGE Festival, both days
You must be available for the interview, training session and be available to volunteer one shift between 20 – 24 July, plus 25 – 26 July and / or 1 – 2 August.
Duties will include:
FESTIVAL PREP:
• Assisting with setting up dressing rooms and costumes;
• Running duties.
• Artist Arrival assistance
DURING SURGE:
• Artist liaison;
• Stewarding;
• Welcoming and directing the festival visitors and audience during events and performances;
• Undertaking audience evaluations;
• Assisting with organising the dressing room/workshop spaces;
• Running duties.
The ideal candidates will have an active interest in the arts – especially street arts, physical theatre and circus and an enthusiasm for learning behind the scenes, helping with festival artists and engaging with members of the public. The chosen candidates will get first-hand experience volunteering with festival performances and performers and shall hopefully take this experience on to future work within the arts.
APPLICATION
To apply, please send the following by Mon 15 June 2026, 5pm:
• A copy of your CV
• Your availability across the festival dates
• 500 word statement outlining your specific interest in the post, and what particular skills / qualities you will bring to it.
Applications should be emailed to Rosa Thomas, Producer, at rosa@surge.scot. For enquiries, please contact Surge on 07506 721574.
Please note this opportunity is open to volunteers who are 18 years +. As this is a public facing role, strong verbal communication skills in English is essential.
