Volunteering at a festival for the first time

[JenWoollett]

I've just been offered a place to volunteer at carfest south this year, I'm really excited about the opportunity but also quite worried about working and sleeping there alone. Is there anyone who has been to or worked at festival alone before? and could offer me some advice and tips.

Thank you

[kaosmark2]

I've done both, attend and work alone. My main tip is to chat to people, which is easier to do if you're on shift with people, but otherwise, what advice are you looking for?

[viberunner]

Ask around the "Other Festivals" forums to see if you can find a buddy, or see if the organisers have a forum, FB page, etc.

Depending on the size there might even be separate camping for stewards and other workers, so ask the organisers about that. Else when you get there look around for a "likely camp", wander over, wander around saying "hello", banter away and if you like the cut of their jib ask if it would "be okay to pitch up nearby".

I hate going to festivals alone, I hate the thought of going to festivals alone, I actually really enjoy them when I'm there though.

[Katster]

I've done a few and always had a great time.

The first one was the most daunting and the weather started off really bad so I ended up alone in my tent for about 12 hours with very little to do take a good book just in case! Once the sun came out though, I ventured out into the unknown with a few beverages - got talking to some neighbours and the rest was history. Working helps if you are struggling to find some folks to talk to as they tend to ask people to "pair up" so you find someone else on their own.

If you are happy wandering by yourself though, crack on and enjoy it! The best thing about going to festivals alone is not having to wait for other people to sort their shit out, or having them whinge at you for wanting to sort out yours lol. Enjoy

[Spindles]

I've worked a festival alone, with no one else on site I knew. Ended up meeting Grumpyhack from these forums who was also working and found that being pushed together as a team of workers meant that there were plenty of people to chat to, get to know and enjoy time with. Have a great time, there is nothing to be worried about I am sure.