We are looking for a team of volunteer stewards to support the Reading Borough Council Events Team to help welcome visitors and manage the visitor flow at this year’s Forbury Fiesta – a launch event for Reading Children’s Festival 2026. You may be assigned to a particular activity such as a workshop, or to a specific zone.

When: Saturday 9 May 2026, 11am-4pm
Where: Forbury Gardens, The Forbury, Reading, RG1 3EJ

Forbury Fiesta is one of Reading’s largest free family town centre-based events. It features an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage, through stage performances, activities and workshops all aimed at children and families.

During the event you may be asked to help with:

– Setting up or taking down gazebos and tables
– ‘Floating’ to check for any issues
– Greeting visitors with a warm welcome, helping and advising
– Ticket checking of arriving visitors for bookable workshops
– Assisting with an activity (including preparation, re-stocking and clean-up)
– Supervising a particular area
– Helping with stage management
– Managing the movement of people through a one-way system (if applicable)
– Cleaning touch-points such as handles for temporary toilets (disposable gloves and equipment will be provided).

Breaks will be provided during the shift, and the Reading Borough Council Events Team are providing some light snacks such as cans of drink and bags of crisps.

This role will suit you if you are:

– 16 years old or over
– Someone who enjoys variety – the day will involve a variety of tasks and activities
– Able to work as part of a team
– Enthusiastic, outgoing and polite engaging with a friendly and diverse audience
– Self-motivated and pro-active
– Have good communication skills
– Ideally you will already have some experience in a people-facing role

What you will gain in return:
– Experience of working within a team
– Experience of welcoming visitors of all ages, in an engaging environment
– Learning more about Reading’s charity and community organisations

How much time will it take up?
The shifts on the day of the event are 9am to 2pm or 1.45pm till 5.45pm.
Please also attend the briefing session (approx. 30 mins – hr) at 12pm on Thursday 7 May 2026 at the bandstand behind the Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens, to explain in more detail what to expect on the day.

To apply to volunteer at Forbury Fiesta, please complete the application form at Volunteer Event Steward at Forbury Fiesta 2026 – Application Form – Fill in form