Volunteer with Us

Volunteering

Be Part of Something Special

The Borders Music Festival relies on a wonderful team of volunteers to help us deliver ten days of exceptional music across Melrose and the Scottish Borders. Volunteering with us is a fantastic way to be part of a growing cultural event, meet like-minded people, and play a real role in bringing world-class music to the region.

We are looking for approximately 10–12 volunteers for the 2026 festival, supported by two Lead Volunteers. Whether you'd like to help front-of-house, assist with artist liaison, support stage management or help with administration, we'd love to hear from you.

Volunteer Policy

Volunteering provides us with an opportunity to engage people with the work of this charity whilst also allowing us to do more. We value and appreciate the full worth of all volunteers, and will ensure that all are treated consistently, equally and fairly.

Definition of a Volunteer

A person who carries out voluntary work in partnership with the BMF Executive team. The work is undertaken by choice and is unpaid.

Recruitment

Volunteers will commit to a particular level of engagement at the BMF. As part of the application process, BMF will seek a character reference from each applicant.

As a volunteer you can expect that…

• You will be made to feel welcome by the organisation
• You will be appreciated and recognised for your contribution to the BMF
• You will be provided with training and support, and appropriate supervision, in order to fulfil your volunteer role
• The tasks will be clearly defined so that both BMF staff and volunteers are sure about their respective roles and responsibilities
• Your activities will be covered by BMF insurance
• You will be reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses incurred through volunteering
• Your work conditions will conform to current health and safety standards
• Your Volunteer Lead will help you to resolve any problems that arise
• You will be given regular opportunity to review what you do with your Volunteer Lead
• You will be volunteering for an organisation which opposes all forms of unlawful discrimination
• BMF will seek your views on volunteering and your experiences as a volunteer

The BMF expects volunteers to…

• At all times act with respect for others
• Be reliable in attendance
• Fulfil the duties as outlined in your Volunteer Role Description and as trained
• Act as an ambassador for the festival and our charitable aims

BMF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of volunteering if the above criteria are not fulfilled. For the avoidance of doubt, volunteers are not employees or members of staff, and it is not intended that they should be.

Volunteer Role Description

Role Title

Volunteer — Borders Music Festival

Job Summary

The volunteer will work under the direction of the Lead Volunteer as part of a team. All training and instruction will be provided, including information on any health and safety issues. The volunteer may be asked to work as part of a team but also individually when required, and may also be required to assist and support other members of the BMF Executive team when needed, particularly during events.

The Lead Volunteer is appointed by the CEO to lead and manage the team of volunteers for the duration of the festival.

Duties include

• Being fully aware of each venue — facilities, disabled access, toilets, kitchens, access and keys, lights and any requirements of venue staff
• Working from an Event Plan
• Front of House — set up and get in, being present during an event, after an event and get out
• Taking money — cash or card machine and passing to a Lead Volunteer or member of the Executive
• Liaising with artists and venue staff — including in the green room before and at the start of a performance, during a performance to ensure effective support, and after a performance to ensure halls are effectively cleared
• Stage management — including stage set up and change of staging, lighting set up, and greeting and set up of pianos/keyboards
• Catering — liaising with those providing catering to ensure it is provided, set out and cleared
• Assisting with and at other events as required
• Any other relevant duties as directed by a Lead Volunteer