Volunteer at Hat Fair

Three volunteers in yellow Hat Fair t-shirts smiling and looking happy.

We need you!

Quite simply, Hat Fair could not happen without our legendary team of volunteers. They are the friendly faces who welcome visitors, guide lost souls, look after our performers, and help keep the festival safe and happy.

Hat Fair is proudly part of the arts and education charity Play to the Crowd. Because we are part of a wider creative family, all our volunteer opportunities are managed centrally on the Play to the Crowd website.

Hat Fair festival volunteer

Perfect for high‑energy individuals who love being outdoors.

Every summer, we need a bold team to help us run the UK's longest‑running outdoor arts festival. From setting‑up to stewarding and fundraising — you'll be at the heart of the merriment.

Eligibility: aged 18+

Image gallery

  • Four people jumping in to the air. Two of them are dressed as kangaroos.
  • Two Hat Fair volunteers smile in a street while holding a fundraising bucket, both wearing yellow Hat Fair t-shirts.
  • Volunteer wearing a yellowing Hat Fair t-shirt and smiling.
  • A smiling volunteer holding up a timetable for a member of the public.

Other volunteer roles

Through our charity, Play to the Crowd, you can also get involved in incredible arts initiatives beyond the theatre walls:

  • Usher at Theatre Royal Winchester: Join our Front of House team to welcome audiences and ensure every visitor has a magical experience in our beautiful theatre.
  • Community engagement support: Work alongside our team to help facilitate inclusive, joyful creative projects and workshops across the district.

Our commitment to you

We ensure all our volunteers feel valued, safe, and supported. When you join us, you will receive:

  • Full training and a warm induction.
  • A flexible commitment that fits around your schedule.
  • Regular social events to connect with your fellow volunteers.
  • The chance to see some of the best live performances in the country.

Interested in volunteering?

Email us at volunteers@playtothecrowd.co.uk and let us know how you'd like to get involved.

Discover more volunteering opportunities on the Play to the Crowd website