Volunteers needed to get Barnaby buzzing
WITH just over two months until Barnaby finally returns to town, organisers are urging residents to enjoy the best seat in the house and join up as a volunteer.
With events to plan, tickets to sell, people to organise and drinks to serve, there is a whole host of roles for volunteers to play.
Anne Davies, volunteer co-ordinator, became involved after retiring and is urging others to join her.
Anne, from Langley, said: “As the programme is finalised, we start to look at how we will deliver it and that is when we really need volunteers. There are roles for everything from stewards, staff for the information desk, people to help with ticketing of events, bar staff – the list goes on.”
Anne added: “I was looking for something new to do and I wanted a change.
“I knew of Barnaby as I’d been to the festivals and I’m interested in the arts. So I volunteered. No week is the same and because I started in autumn it was quite quiet but as the festival builds so does my role and I am now looking to keep up to date with around 250 potential volunteers.
“I think the vibe in Macclesfield is great when Barnaby is on.
“It changes and it really brings the community together. I like seeing local artists as well as some of the more well known names.”
Mandy Martinez, festival manager, said: “Our volunteers come from different backgrounds and have different skills.
“They are divided into pre-event volunteers and those who volunteer to help during the festival.
“The pre-event volunteers are involved in planning, artist liaison, and event management.
“And those that volun- teer during the festival are usually the more handson people.
“We really value everyone’s contribution and I think it is the input from the community that makes Barnaby so special. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming part of the team.”
The Barnaby Festival returns from June 15 to June 24, with the full list of events yet to be announced.
To get involved contact mail@ barnabyfestival. org.uk
For more information about the festival see barnabyfestival.org.uk.
Tickets will also available from the Visitor Information Centre at Macclesfield Town Hall.