JORVIK Viking Festival Event Support Volunteer
What Is the JORVIK Viking Festival?
Organised by York Archaeology, the JORVIK Viking Festival is an annual celebration of York’s Viking heritage with events across the city and is the largest festival of its type in Europe. A program of expert talks, reenactments, family events, feasts, fairs and more has attracted visitors to York from across the world for over forty years.
What Do Event Support Volunteers Do?
Event Support Volunteers assist the Events Team by stewarding festival events, supporting our staff by providing an additional point of visitor welcome and by assisting with event setup and practical support. Volunteers also have the option to support elsewhere in the Festival, such as at family events or on our information hubs.
Where Will I Be Volunteering?
All volunteering takes place at York Archaeology’s city centre attractions or at partner venues, marquees and pop-up venues in York City Centre. Some volunteering will take place outdoors or involves moving between venues, so applicants should be comfortable volunteering in an outdoor environment in winter. Some of the events requiring stewards may be evening events in our attractions or partner venues.
Who Does the Role Suit?
This is an ideal role for anyone who would like to gain experience in heritage events, enjoys engaging with a diverse audience of visitors, or who wants to be a part of the unique experience that is the JORVIK Viking Festival. The role would suit anyone who likes an active role as part of a team of volunteers and staff.
This role involves standing for significant periods and volunteering in cold weather, for anyone who would have difficulties with this we can signpost alternative Festival volunteering opportunities.
Induction, Training & Support
To ensure the delivery of safe and legally compliant events some training is required of all volunteers.
Training materials are provided where possible in video format to allow volunteers to learn at their own pace. All volunteers will be invited to attend a remote or in-person welcome and briefing session. Recorded briefings will be provided to those unable to attend.
Inductions to our attractions are offered ahead of the Festival where possible, giving an opportunity to become familiar with our sites and to meet staff and other volunteers.
Support day to day will be given by the Volunteering Team, Events Team and Site Managers.
What Will I Gain from Volunteering?
Meet new people : You will be part of a friendly team of volunteers and staff from across York Archaeology helping to deliver the JORVIK Viking Festival, which each year attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world to York.
Contribute to the work of the York Archaeology: As an educational charity you will help us engage visitors with the history and archaeology the Festival explores by ensuring an accessible and welcoming reception for all.
Be part of a unique event : JORVIK Viking Festival is one of the largest and longest-running events of its kind in Europe. You will be part of a friendly team helping us put on a programme of reenactment, family events, expert talks and more through the week of the JORVIK Viking Festival.
Learn something new : Gain hands-on experience of festival and events preparation and delivery in a heritage setting.
Hours & Involvement
A flexible rota is offered for volunteers to sign up to the sessions they wish to get involved at, with sessions during the Festival itself from 8th-14th February 2027.
Uniform
Volunteers will be advised whether events are inside, outdoors and whether they are public facing. For outdoor events we ask volunteers to wear warm, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities. For indoor events smart casual clothing is recommended, we just ask you to avoid some items of clothing such as ripped jeans and band t-shirts.
York Archaeology branded jackets or fleeces and volunteer lanyards will be provided to you to identify you as part of the Festival team. Volunteers are expected to wear PPE such as hi-vis wear if provided by the Events team.
Support & Assistance
We are committed to offering accessible roles and encourage applicants to let us know if they have any support or access amendments they would like to discuss. All volunteers are able to reclaim travel expenses up to £10.00 a day. Further information can be found in our Volunteer Expenses Policy.
Contact
York Archaeology is committed to reflecting the diversity of our audiences and reducing barriers to volunteering. If you are interested in volunteering but have questions, including about support or access needs, that you’d like to ask before applying please contact our friendly volunteering team by emailing volunteer@yorkat.co.uk or calling 01904 952320.
