Applications for 2027 are now open.
Volunteer applications close on 12 February 2027.
We’re thrilled you’d like to be part of the Yackandandah Folk Festival. Volunteers play a vital role in making the festival happen, and by giving just a few hours of your time, you’ll be joining the community that brings it all to life.
Volunteer perks
10 Hours of Volunteering: Free 3-day festival ticket + free camping
6 Hours of Volunteering: Half-price 3-day festival ticket + half-price camping
2–4 Hours of Volunteering: Receive a special thank-you gift. Please note that if you wish to see performances outside your shifts, standard ticket purchases apply
All Volunteers: Access to the Volunteer Centre + an invitation to our post-festival thank-you gathering
Roles available
Please indicate your role preferences on the volunteer application form. For the 2027 festival, we are moving to a new self-selection volunteer rostering system. Selecting your preferred roles in advance helps our team identify coverage gaps and ensure every department is well-supported
Venue Manager
Keep the energy high and the festival running smoothly. Working across a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, Venue Managers liaise with staff, coordinate artists and venue volunteers, and help maintain a safe, welcoming environment. You’ll keep an eye on crowd sizes, working with the venue licensee to manage capacity when needed and handle quick problem-solving as the shift unfolds. Expect to be on your feet and moving around the venue throughout your shift.
MC
Love being on stage? Step up to the mic and keep the festival energy high. As an MC, you will introduce artists, deliver key announcements, and give well-deserved shout-outs to festival sponsors between sets. Prior public speaking experience and a confident, engaging stage presence are preferred for this role.
Ticket Checkers / Venue Control
Be the friendly face that welcomes patrons to festival event spaces. Working across a combination of indoor and outdoor venues, you will check wristbands at entry points, help manage crowd flow, and answer general questions for attendees. This is a great role for approachable volunteers who enjoy interacting with people and keeping entryways running smoothly.
Ticket Office
Join the friendly hub of the festival. Based indoors at the Yack Senior Citizens’ Hall, you will help festival-goers with ticket purchases and pick-ups, process merchandise sales, and answer general enquiries. It is a fantastic, varied role for anyone who loves customer service and a comfortable indoor environment.
Logistics Crew
Be part of the team that builds the festival from the ground up. You will help set up and pack down stages, marquees, seating, and equipment. This mostly outdoor role involves physical lifting and active setup work, with peak activity happening on Friday and Sunday.
Green Room Attendants
Help create a cozy and welcoming space for our performing artists. You will look after the artists’ chill-out areas, keep food and drinks well-stocked, assist with keeping instruments secure, and serve as a friendly point of contact throughout their stay.
Green Team
Help us keep the festival green and clean. You can join the famous “Dish Pig” team to wash and distribute reusable crockery, or act as a “Bin Fairy” guiding festival-goers at our waste and recycling stations. This active, mostly outdoor role involves physical tasks like standing, walking, and some lifting while helping us reduce festival waste.
Car Parking
Help festival-goers start their day with ease. You will guide arriving traffic into the correct spots and keep parking areas flowing smoothly. This is a hands-on outdoor role that involves standing for periods of time and can get dusty, so bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water is essential.
Billet a Performer
Welcome a festival artist into your home. Provide temporary accommodation for visiting performers and help create a warm, hospitable environment for wonderful musicians and artists.
Children’s Activities Tent
Join the creative crew in bringing the fun to life. You’ll assist with activities like dress-ups and drawing, support the children’s performers, and help maintain an inspiring, playful space for families. This light-to-moderate role involves a comfortable mix of sitting, standing, and walking throughout your shift.
Decorations Crew
Join the team responsible for hanging the iconic, record-holding line of bunting across venues and the main street. With full guidance and support from the Decorations Coordinator, this hands-on role involves walking between setup areas and climbing ladders to secure display materials.
Street Parade Marshals
Help kick off the festival in style. You’ll assist parade participants as they gather at the starting line and help guide them smoothly along the parade route. This fun, high-visibility role involves walking the full length of the main street alongside the procession.
Volunteer Centre and Catering Assistant (New Role in 2027)
Help care for the team that makes the festival happen. In 2027, we’re introducing a dedicated Volunteer Centre, a space for festival volunteers to relax and recharge. As a Catering Assistant, you’ll keep the space welcoming and well-stocked with food and drinks. Tasks include preparing sandwiches, heating soups, washing up, light tidying, and chatting with fellow volunteers. This indoor role involves a comfortable mix of sitting, standing, and walking.
Youth Stage & Emerging Artist Area Crew
Ever wanted to be a roadie? Here’s your chance! Help bring the vibrant Youth Stage to life as we highlight amazing emerging artists. Working alongside the Stage Coordinator, you’ll assist with moving equipment, setting up signage, organising seating, and keeping the energy high. This outdoor role requires a good level of physical fitness and a hands-on attitude.
Got questions? We have answers.
When will I be notified about my application to volunteer?
Once you have submitted your application, you should receive an email confirming receipt of your application. The volunteer committee will email information to registered volunteers with designated tasks and duties once the job of rostering begins in January.
What are the accommodation options for volunteers?
Volunteers who provide 10 hours or more of their time are entitled to free camping at the designated YFF campgrounds at Butson Park or the Sports Park.
Volunteers who provide 5 hours or more of their time are entitled to half price camping at the designated YFF campgrounds at Butson Park or the Sports Park.
Volunteers who volunteer for less than 5 hours can purchase camping when they purchase their festival ticket.
If you do not qualify for free or discounted camping through your volunteer hours, or if you choose not to camp, you will need to arrange and pay for your own accommodation.
How many hours do I need to volunteer?
For the 2027 Festival, volunteers will need to commit to a minimum of 2 hours of volunteering. A ticket discount or special perk applies depending on the total hours you volunteer.
- 10 hours = A free weekend festival ticket plus free camping at the designated YFF campgrounds at Butson Park or the Sports Park
- 6 hours = 1/2 price festival ticket plus 1/2 price camping
- 2–4 hours = Receive a special thank-you gift. Please note that if you wish to see performances outside your shifts, standard ticket purchases apply
All volunteers regardless of hours worked have full access to free food and drinks in the Volunteer Centre all weekend, as well as an invitation to our exclusive post-festival thank-you gathering.
Who can I talk to further about volunteering?
Can I join the committee?
Yes! The committee is open to enthusiastic local individuals wanting to take on a greater role with the Folk Festival and there is always room for more volunteers on the committee. We meet monthly throughout the year and then as the festival nears more frequently. The committee is very flexible and appreciates that not everyone can take on a large role. If you are at all interested and want to learn more, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us.