Peasedown St John’s Party in the Park has launched its volunteering initiative for a seventh year, encouraging locals to help out at the popular event next month.
Party in the Park, first held in the summer of 2009, has grown from a small community event into a popular regional festival with up to 3,000 people attending.
Each year over 50 volunteers take part by helping to collect donations at entrance gates, handing out programmes, marshalling road closures and clearing up litter.
Members of the festival’s organising team are coordinating the recruitment campaign for this year’s 11th annual festival on 8th June.
Festival Volunteer Manager Max Feeney said: “Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things you can ever do. Giving up your time to support a good cause, take part in a project or help organise an event goes a long way.
“It tells other people a lot about you and shows that you’re motivated and prepared to help others.
“Thousands of people across the country spend time volunteering. Some of the most successful campaigns ever run have been established and managed by volunteers.”
In preparation for Party in the Park in June organisers are re-launching Be Part of It – a scheme where those that sign up will receive added benefits.
Festival Secretary, Helen Thorn, added: “People volunteer because they want to contribute something to society in their free time.
“The personal benefits they gain from volunteering are numerous and often unexpected but include increased self-confidence, a sense of purpose, a feeling of well-being, new friendships and new skills.
“At Be Part of It, we also offer our volunteers a certificate, refreshments on the day itself, and a reference (if required) for school/college/university or a new job.
“Most of all we want to make sure your time with us is fun and your experience of volunteering positive.”
A lot of organisation goes into ensuring Party in the Park is a success and the event’s positive reputation continues to grow.
Festival Chairman, Nathan Hartley, said: “We want to hear from anyone who is interested in volunteering with us no matter what their skills and experience, or how much time they have available.
“There are a number of roles that people can undertake either to help with the organisation of the event or on the day itself.
“If you want to develop a particular skill but have no previous experience, let us know. Our existing volunteers can help act as mentors.
“As volunteering is about choice, you can give as much or as little time as you wish. Even if you can only spare an hour to distribute some programmes it all helps.”
Examples of roles on the day include:
- Collecting donations at entrance gates
- Clearing litter
- Setting up and dismantling equipment
Anyone who signs up to Be Part of It will also have the chance to volunteer at other events.
Craig Gill, who volunteered at Somer Valley FM for five years as a radio-show host, said: “In general, volunteering opportunities with us take place at the summer festival but by signing up with us you may also be invited to take part in other community events in Peasedown.”
For more information, and to sign up, visit www.peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk or email volunteering@peasedownpartyinthepark.org.uk. To register, you must be 18 or over, or have parental permission to join.
Party in the Park officially starts at 12 noon on Saturday 8th June on Beacon Field, with festivities running until 7pm.
