Volunteers play an integral part in making soundfestival happen and we welcome volunteers from all walks of life. As a volunteer you'll get a chance to attend a wide-range of events, gain valuable experience and meet new people.
About Us
soundfestival is an innovative festival of new music. From contemporary classical to electro-acoustic, improvised, experimental and jazz music, the festival brings together a wide range of musical styles in a variety of concerts, workshops, installations and talks across Aberdeen City and Shire.
soundfestival encourages audiences to discover new sounds and expect the unexpected. This year the festival runs from the 22nd - 31st October.
What to Expect
As a soundfestival volunteer you can expect to get a firsthand insight on what it takes to run a festival. The experience is varied and practical, with different roles available to suit and build on different skills. You will meet new people, work in interesting venues and hear some fascinating music. We encourage people from all backgrounds to join us. The only requirements are to be enthusiastic, reliable and committed to making soundfestival even better.
As the festival takes place over many days there is flexibility when it comes to shifts. When off duty, all volunteers can go and see any of the festival events for free (providing there are still tickets available due to venue capacity).
Volunteers receive an induction session and relevant training. Support and guidance will be available throughout the volunteering period. We will do everything to ensure your volunteering experience is positive, enriching and useful for you. Your contribution to soundfestival is highly valued and we are very grateful for everything our volunteers do each year.
We can consider covering volunteers’ travel expenses for local transport to and from events.
Please note your transport details on your application form & we can discuss this with you.
Food may also be provided on some of the days/shifts.
Roles
Event Assistant
Looking for event experience? Do you enjoy talking to members of the public or would you like to develop this skill?
As Event Assistant your role may involve:
- Being a contact point for audiences. You may be doing front of house tasks such as selling tickets and answering audience queries.
- Handing out flyers before and after events.
- Meeting artists at the train station.
- Being a contact point at rehearsals and looking after artists.
- Helping to put together and printing programme notes.
- Collecting monitoring data.
- Checking tickets and handing out programme notes.
- Handing out and gathering audience feedback forms.
- Crowd and queue management – helping people find their seats, answering queries.
- Helping with event set up and take down (may include helping the artist with their instruments, setting up chairs, putting up/taking down banners etc).
- Running errands when required.
- Assisting the Festival Sustainability and Inclusion Host and Festival Management team where necessary.
Requirements: This role may include some manual handling and lifting. You should also be enthusiastic and open to meeting new people and learning about sound. As we are a small team, we are looking for someone comfortable with taking initiative to carry out tasks. Confidence and communication skills would also be beneficial for approaching and conversing with audience members.
Time commitment: 2-3 days or half days during the festival in late October/early November. Shifts will be from 9am onwards.
We prefer our volunteers to be available for more than one event, but we can be flexible. We would encourage you to note your preferred days and shift times on the application form. We understand everyone’s availability varies and we are willing to be accommodating where possible.
Ideally, we would like people to be there for a number of hours in a day so that you can both front events but also help with practical things during the day. There are quieter times, so you can bring laptop/book to study in those quieter moments.
Please also note that activity levels can vary for this role. Some events may be very busy and others may be quiet with less tasks for you to do.
Festival Sustainability and Inclusion Host
Do you enjoy helping people and care about sustainability and inclusion? Our Festival Sustainability and Inclusion Host is someone who supports our performers, staff and volunteers. You could be tidying event spaces, checking in on people’s wellbeing and making sure everyone feels welcome. Ensuring people feel cared for and our venues are safe and tidy is your task.
As a Festival Sustainability and Inclusion Assistant your duties would include:
- Taking initiative to clean and tidy venues, providing a safe and welcoming space for artists and staff and audience members.
- Support and look after artists, staff and volunteers during events by looking out for them and being aware of their needs. For example, getting food/drinks for people, helping with tasks so others can take breaks.
- Ensure inclusion by supporting people and performers who may need additional help during the festival due to disabilities or have other access needs.
- Make sure recycling is done correctly and appropriate bins are used.
- Make sure we meet our environmental and EDI aims.
Requirements: You must be comfortable with taking initiative to get on with tasks and speak to people. This role requires confidence, communication and organisation, as well as sensitivity to ensure people are supported. Knowledge of or interest in EDI and environmental policies would also be beneficial.
Time commitment: During the festival - for approximately 2 weeks in late October/early November. Shifts will be during the daytime. Ideally you would be available for most days during the festival, but a minimum of two days during the 2 week period.
Festival Photographer/Videographer
Do you enjoy taking photos and/or making videos? Do you want to expand your portfolio and gain experience?
While being part of the official festival media team your role involves:
- Getting out and about across festival events and capturing the people, places and atmosphere that make each one unique.
- Creating official photography and videography across the full festival experience, from behind-the-scenes set-up and rehearsals to live performances.
- Covering a varied programme of events taking place throughout the day, including morning, lunchtime and evening performances across different venues.
- Having the opportunity for your images and footage to be featured in press coverage, social media and future festival promotions, with full credit wherever possible.
Requirements: You have a proven experience or keen interest in photography and/or videography. You are required to have your own equipment. If you can, please include a link to your portfolio or examples of your work with your application.
Time commitment: As and when needed during the festival - for approximately 2 weeks in late October/early November. You will need to be able to attend events and rehearsals during the daytime or evening.
Digital Marketing Assistant
Do you enjoy social media, writing, content creation, editing, chatting to people, or coming up with creative ways to promote events and connect with audiences?
As Digital Marketing Assistant your role may involve:
- Getting involved in festival events and helping capture the energy, atmosphere and moments happening across the programme.
- Creating engaging short-form and long-form video content for social media, from quick event highlights to more in-depth pieces.
- Recording vox pops with audience members and artists to capture reactions, experiences and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Writing blog posts, articles and other creative content that brings the festival to life.
- Working closely with the Marketing Manager on festival content and campaigns, with opportunities to lead on your own ideas as well as create content collaboratively as part of the wider team.
Requirements: You have a proven experience or keen interest in digital marketing and good understanding of different social media platforms. You are required to have your own equipment. If you can, please include a link to your portfolio or examples of your work in your application.
Time commitment: As and when needed during the festival - for approximately 2 weeks in late October/early November. Shifts will be during the daytime or evening. Ideally we would need you to be available for a minimum of 4 hours on each day that you volunteer.
You would not be required on every day of the festival.
Other Volunteering Opportunities
There are also opportunities to volunteer with sound outside of the festival period, especially during summer and autumn in the run up to the festival. This might include, but is not limited to, helping with sending mail and distributing programmes and flyers.
If you’re interested in getting involved prior to the festival, please mention this in your application form.
Accessibility
We want volunteering with soundfestival to be as accessible and welcoming as possible.
Access costs can be covered for volunteers who require additional support to take part. If you are offered a volunteer role, we’ll ask about any access requirements you may have and discuss these with you individually. Wherever possible, we can adapt volunteer activities, locations and schedules to support your needs.
If you need any accessibility support when applying, we’re also happy to offer alternative ways to apply, such as by email or through an online conversation.
Please get in touch with us at info@sound-scotland.co.ukto discuss any support you may need.
Induction Sessions
The induction sessions will be held in person at 3pm and 5pm Thursday 8th October, Seabury House, St Andrew's Cathedral, Peacock's Close, Aberdeen, AB24 5AX (How to find the Seabury House (what3words): https://what3words.com/guard.healers.debate)
How to Apply
To apply, please complete this form: https://tally.so/r/q4l0r8
Deadline for applications is Friday 2nd October 2026.
Applicants will be contacted via email with more information.
