Volunteer - Festival of Making

It wouldn’t be possible to run the festival weekend without the support of our fantastic volunteers.

From workshop helpers to exhibition invigilators, evaluation support and brew bosses, every single volunteer helps make the festival the success that it is.

We don’t currently have any open opportunities to volunteer for the rest of 2026; however if you’re interested in volunteering for the next festival, fill in our very quick ‘Register your Interest’ form. You might not hear from us just yet, but you’ll be the first to know when volunteering opens in the Spring time and you’ll get the full sign-up form sent to your inbox when it’s ready.

If you have any questions, please email us on volunteers@festivalofmaking.co.uk

Why Volunteer?

In 2026, we worked with Chip In and had over 100 people sign up to volunteer. We have asked past volunteers “What motivated you to volunteer over the festival weekend?” Here’s a snapshot of what they said:

I enjoy arts and crafts but don’t often get the chance to do stuff so I took this opportunity to take part and help
I wanted to gain work experience and develop my confidence more
I wanted to make a difference and help out the community I live in
I do it every year and enjoy it. I like mixing with others and having fun
Just nice to give something back to Blackburn
Good way to get communication experience
I have been to the Festival every year. I didn’t get the chance to last year so I made sure I was involved this time around

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has volunteered with us over the past 8 festivals.

If you have any questions about volunteering or want to speak to a member of the team, email volunteers@festivalofmaking.co.uk

A large number of people are stood smiling on large open stairecase, surrounded by framed paintings on the walls.

A large group of volunteers stood with Festival Director Elena Jackson at the 2026 Volunteer Celebration at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery.

An older woman smiles at the camera, wearing round glasses and yellow ear protection headphones around her neck. She has short, light brown hair and is dressed casually. The background is softly blurred.

Festival Volunteer, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A man in a cap wearing a light blue volunteer t-shirt assists a man during a workshops under an open sided outdoor canopy.

Noisy Toys workshop by Stephen Summers, 2026. Photo by Fiona Finchett.

A young woman with plaited hair, wearing a black headband, a beige faux fur coat, and a purple T-shirt, smiles while holding a notebook and pen. She stands indoors with a blurred background.

Festival Volunteer, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person wearing a Festival Maker T-shirt stands in front of a stage with a BBC sign. The stage has bright lights, and there are red-and-white striped barriers in the foreground.

Festival Volunteer, 2018. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A boy wearing a beige cap and denim jacket folds paper at a table, while a person in a purple shirt assists beside him. They are participating in a practical activity indoors, under natural light.

Origami Workshop by Foldworks, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman in a beige hijab, wearing a light blue volunteer t-shirt assists a woman suring a felt banner making workshops in a marquee.

Banner Making workshop by Sam Selley, 2026. Photo by Fiona Finchett.

A woman in a white shirt gestures whilst talking to another woman outdoors, holding colourful pamphlets. They appear to be at an event or market, with marquees and people in the background.

Festival Volunteers, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman in a navy hijab and purple Festival Maker shirt talks to someone at a table with colourful arts and crafts supplies. People and posters are visible in the background.

Festival Volunteer, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman sits at a table with a notebook, talking to a young person. Flowers and a camera are on the table. Other people work in the background inside a marquee at an outdoor event.

Kitchen Tables Workshop Space, 2026. Photo by Fiona Finchett

A woman helps a child with a screen printing activity at a table, surrounded by colourful posters with positive messages. In the foreground, a person wears a purple Festival Maker shirt. Other people watch the activity.

Hot Bed Press, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two young adults stand outdoors, smiling and waving. The woman holds colourful leaflets and carries a rucksack, while the man gestures with open arms. Green trees and bushes are visible in the background.

Festival Volunteer, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A volunteer in a purple shirt helps a visitor at an outdoor workshop, surrounded by people and children under a marquee with trees and activity stations in the background.

Architecture for Insects Workshop by HemingwayDesign, 2025. Photo by Fiona Finchett.

Two women smile as they create colourful art on a table covered with flower patterns, using coloured powders at a lively, festive indoor event decorated with vibrant hanging banners.

Rangoli Workshop by Sonia Sabri Company, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman wearing a blue Festival Maker shirt carries several drums through a busy indoor event space, with other people and more drums visible in the background.

Afro-Brazilian Percussion Workshop by Global Grooves, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person with ginger hair and glasses, wearing a purple shirt, sits at a table painting letters on a large sign. They focus intently, holding a paintbrush near a cup of blue paint, with art supplies nearby.

Sign Writing Workshop by byUMBERTO. Photo by Fiona Finchett.

Two older women sit on a colourful crocheted blanket-covered sofa, engaged in conversation. One woman is knitting whilst the other listens. The scene is set outdoors with a blue backdrop and blurred figures in the foreground.

Crochet Workshop by Crochet Crazy Creations, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two women sort through colourful yarn and wool on a wooden table indoors. One woman in a purple shirt is reaching for green wool, while another in the background kneels and looks at the materials. Natural light fills the space.

Backstrap Weaving Workshop by Alexandra Lucas, 2024. Photo by Fiona Finchett.

Two people swing on a large outdoor swing set while others sit and socialise at picnic tables under a canopy. The scene is lively, with greenery surrounding the area, and a man stands nearby watching.

Volo: Dreams of Flight by Studio Go Go, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two smiling women stand at a table. One woman holds a sign that reads LET YOUR SMILE SHINE while the other gestures towards it. People and colourful posters are visible in the background.

Hot Bed Press, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A smiling woman sits on a chair near a stone wall, holding papers. A crutch rests beside her. Next to her is a sign with a blue arrow and text reading, “More festival activities this way!” decorated with flowers.

Festival Volunteer, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

Three people stand outdoors at a stall, one holding a poster and wearing a purple shirt, whilst others look on and discuss. A large white marquee and trees are visible in the background on a sunny day.

This Must be the Place Workshop by MikeSian Studio, 2025. Photo by Fiona Finchett.

The festival was incredible, the atmosphere was so upbeat and enthusiastic, the volunteers were so friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable, and the workshops were inspiring and informative. There was so much to do and my whole family LOVED the day.

Festival Visitor

Every year is amazing! A wonderful feast for the senses, a real sense of community and a great atmosphere. Brilliant volunteers, fantastic highlighted career pathways and experiences and how fantastic to see all the creatives from the local area!

Festival Visitor

It was wonderful to experience such a buzz in the town centre and the volunteers were all extremely friendly and helpful.

Festival Visitor