Totally Thames festival Volunteer Application

Totally Thames festival 2026: Volunteer call-out

Totally Thames festival returns in September 2026 with a month-long programme celebrating the River Thames through arts, culture, heritage and environmental events across London. 

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support a selection of events throughout the festival. As a volunteer, you'll be one of the public faces of Totally Thames festival, helping visitors enjoy the programme, sharing information about events, assisting with audience research, and supporting our team to deliver events to a high standard.

Whether you're looking to gain experience, develop new skills, meet new people, or simply support a festival you love, we'd love to hear from you!

Please apply even if you have volunteered with us before.

What you'll get

• A key role in one of London's largest river festivals
• Experience in event delivery, audience research and communications
• Opportunities to work alongside the Thames Festival Trust team, artists and partner venues
• Free access to festival events
• The chance to meet new people and build your network
• Travel expenses (up to £8 per day) and meal expenses (up to £8 per day) reimbursed

What we're looking for

You don't need previous volunteering experience, but you should be comfortable engaging with the public.

We're looking for people who are:

• Friendly, enthusiastic and reliable
• Confident communicators
• Well organised and punctual
• Passionate about culture, heritage, the environment or community events
• Able to commit to the shifts they accept

We encourage volunteers to commit to at least three festival shifts where possible.

All volunteers must be aged 18 or over.

Volunteer responsibilities

Responsibilities vary by event and will be confirmed when you are allocated a role. Tasks may include:

General duties

• Welcoming visitors and acting as a friendly point of contact
• Sharing information about Totally Thames festival and upcoming events
• Distributing and collecting audience feedback
• Supporting visitors with access requirements
• Promoting the wider festival programme

Event support

• Assisting with event set-up and pack-down
• Stewarding performances, talks, exhibitions and walks
• Helping audiences find event locations
• Checking tickets and guest lists
• Supporting health and safety procedures
• Invigilating exhibitions
• Providing general event support as needed

Useful experience (not essential)

• Customer-facing roles
• Event, museum, gallery or theatre experience
• Working with groups of adults or children
• Supporting workshops or craft activities
• Public engagement and visitor services
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn are more important than previous experience.

Accessibility and inclusion

Thames Festival Trust is committed to making volunteering opportunities as open, inclusive and accessible as possible.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any access requirements or reasonable adjustments needed to support your participation.

Volunteer induction

Please let us know your availability for an induction meeting at 4pm on Thursday 20 August 2026. The location will be confirmed nearer the time.

Ongoing support and supervision will be provided throughout your volunteering experience.

How to apply

• Register for an account here
• Submit your application below by 12noon Sunday 9 August 2026.
• If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Annabel Taylor-Munt.