Opportunity: Volunteer at AND Festival 2026

We are looking to create a team of volunteers to support us with our live events across AND Festival 2026 this September.

Abandon Normal Devices is renowned for producing the UK’s only nomadic, site-responsive digital arts festival, commissioning works that combine creativity, technology and science.

This year, AND Festival 2026 lands in Barnsley for its 10th edition on 25th – 27th September. Rooted in the area’s industrial heritage and meeting Barnsley’s ambitions to be the UK’s leading Tech Town, this festival edition explores our relationship with infrastructure, memory, technology and the hidden systems that shape everyday life. The festival programme features site-responsive installations, spatial audio experiences, durational audiovisual work, interactive gaming, augmented reality, film premieres and talks.

Volunteers are a vital part of the AND Festival team and we would love you to join us in delivering an ambitious programme over the festival weekend.

We want to hear from all kinds of people with different skills and interests, whether you are a digital arts fanatic, or just want to try something new, whatever your interests are, there’s a place for you in the team. By sharing your time, skills and energy, you’ll be playing an important part in making a memorable AND Festival.

No previous experience is necessary. We are looking for friendly and approachable people, with a can-do attitude, and additionally would love to hear from people with good local knowledge of Barnsley and the surrounding area. You will be fully briefed by the team, so you are confident in whatever role you do.

How to apply

If you are interested in being part of the AND Festival Volunteer team, please:

• Fill in the AND Festival 2026 Volunteers Registration Form
• Complete an Equal Opportunities Form (submitted anonymously)

The deadline to register your interest is 1st September 2026.

If you have a question about your application or need any further information, please get in touch and email volunteer@andfestival.org.uk with “Volunteer Call Out” as the subject line.

Volunteer Roles

The volunteer roles on offer include helping with:

• Stewarding – greeting and welcoming attendees at our artworks and events, providing information, checking tickets and helping with showing people where to go.
• Artwork facilitation – supporting attendees to participate and interact with digital technology.
• Information hub – providing information about the festival and helping attendees with local knowledge of Barnsley and how to get around.
• Event support – assisting with the setup of rooms for events used for drinks reception and workshops & hosting festival attendees.
• Runner – providing support for the festival production and technical teams across Barnsley town centre and Elsecar.
• Install and De-install – assisting with the setup of artworks and take down of installations prior and post festival.
• Audience research – helping to gather attendees feedback and get attendees to answer questions about their experience.

Benefits

As part of the volunteer team, you will get to enjoy several benefits, including:

• A one-off opportunity to represent the best of Barnsley to hundreds of visitors
• Access to enjoy the festival programme first hand, receiving tickets to events where possible
• Learn about creative technology in art
• Develop skills and experience in many areas including team-working, communication and interacting with the public
• Make connections with people from across the country and on your doorstep
• Cover the cost of public transport expenses within South Yorkshire when travelling for your shift
• Plus, you’ll receive an AND Festival T-shirt to be worn on shift.

Shifts & Training

All volunteers will have to attend a training & briefing session at the start of September where you’ll learn more about the festival and receive all the training you need for your volunteer role. Additional training required for specific artworks will be provided by a member of the team on the day of the event, prior to the start of the shift.

Ideally, we are asking volunteers to sign up and commit to 2 shifts (approx. 10 hours) however, we would still love to hear from you if your availability is less. Most of the shifts are over the event days 25-27 September but some roles could involve lending an extra hand in set-up and take-down days.

Location

The festival is spread across locations within Barnsley town centre and Elsecar. The roles are mainly based at our festival venues – Barnsley Civic, Barnsley Market (The Glass Works), Elsecar Heritage Centre and Parkway Cinema. Some roles may take place outside or involve travelling between the town centre and Elsecar Heritage Centre. Any out-of-pocket travel expenses whilst on shift will be provided. 

Access Support

We are committed to ensuring our opportunities are open for people who experience barriers to inclusion. We recognise that you might need additional support to participate in the application, training and/or the event itself, whether that is technical equipment, access support or adjustments to the process. If you require any support or adjustments, please contact us on volunteer@andfestival.org.uk with “Volunteer Call Out” as the subject line.

Equality & Diversity

Abandon Normal Devices is committed to equality of opportunity for all. We believe that a diverse workforce can enable more innovative, creative and dynamic workplaces. We want to reflect the diversity of our audiences in our workforce; therefore, we actively seek and welcome applicants from, including but not limited to; ethnically or culturally diverse backgrounds, diverse sexualities and genders, disabled and d/Deaf people, or those with unconventional career paths.