Joining the crew

Fancy being part of Glastonbury's Recycling Crew? Places are limited, so here's how our application process works.

How to apply

To keep our crew full of good people who are ready to muck in, we welcome new volunteers through recommendations from existing crew members and our charity partners.

Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, everyone must apply for a place at each Festival.

Step 1

Applications open

Applications open in stages. First, we invite volunteers who completed all their shifts at the previous Festival, followed by volunteers from earlier years.

Finally, new applicants recommended by existing crew members or our charity partners are invited to apply.

Unfortunately, we can't accept applications without an invitation or referral.

Step 2

Complete your application

You'll need to provide your details, confirm your Right to Work in the UK and tell us which teams and fellow volunteers you'd prefer to work with.

New applicants will need to provide supporting documents to confirm their eligibility, but don't worry, we'll guide you through the process.

We'll do our best to accommodate your team preferences, although with over 2,400 volunteers to organise, it can be quite a juggling act!

Step 3

Secure your place

A refundable security payment, equal to the public Festival ticket price, is required as part of your application to help ensure everyone honours their volunteering commitment.

  • Receive your full refund after the Festival.

  • Complete all your shifts at two successive Festivals and your security payment drops to a much lower amount.

  • If a serious reason prevents you from volunteering, you'll still receive a full refund.

  • Any retained payments are donated to our charity partners. You can also choose to donate some or all of your refund.

Words from the crew

  • "It’s like a big family with friendly co-volunteers, helpful staff and team leaders, and the satisfaction that we do a spectacular job, as well as raising funds for charity."

    Ken, 9 years volunteering

  • "The team is wonderful — it works like a well-oiled machine, yet always finds room for kindness, flexibility, and good humour when it matters most."

    Dave, 7 years volunteering

  • "I absolutely love it. It’s hard work (especially if it is muddy & wet 😁), however so rewarding seeing a field put back to its natural beauty."

    Linda, 23 years volunteering

  • "From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel part of a proper team - supportive, fun, and full of energy."

    Lisa, 1 year volunteering