VOLUNTEERS are being sought to become "Freedom Makers" at one of the highlights on Hull's cultural calendar.
Organisers at this year's Freedom Festival, which runs from September 5 to 7, are hoping to double the number of volunteers who helped bring last year's event to life.
Those stepping up to help Freedom enjoy another successful year are likely to be in the driving seat when it comes to choosing volunteers to be involved in Hull's UK City of Culture 2017 celebrations.
Jenny Coombes, development and partnership manager at the festival's organising company, said it was important to "raise the bar" for volunteers ahead of 2017, when there are likely to be many more volunteering opportunities across the city.
She said: "As an organisation, we recognise the significant contribution that volunteers make towards the cultural offering in the city.
"Our volunteers are the face of Freedom Festival and, as we head towards 2017, they will no doubt choose to become the face of the many other wonderful happenings taking place here.
"Our vision is that, over the next few years, we develop a volunteer experience that recognises and rewards people for their commitment, encouraging them to return to Freedom but also to share their experience and knowledge at other events."
Freedom already has 60 volunteers on its books, but is hoping to double that in the next few weeks.
Volunteer duties at the three- day festival will include meeting and greeting artists, assisting stage managers with the festival's procession events, social media work and visitor liaison.
The deadline to register an interest is Wednesday, August 6.
Jenny said that the programme aims to help volunteers' experiences go beyond this year's festival and organisers will work alongside the UK City of Culture 2107 team to ensure that, when it comes to recruiting 2017 volunteers, existing Freedom Makers are rewarded for their "passion, knowledge and commitment".
She said: "In the long term, we are exploring opportunities to develop a broader volunteer training programme which will enhance individuals' CVs and skill sets.
"We've taken the first step this year by increasing the training given to our volunteers and investing more time in matching skills and interests with roles. This is a brilliant opportunity for people to learn, meet new friends and develop local contacts that will offer real value in the future, while also enhancing their CVs."
To sign up or find out more about the Freedom Makers volunteering programme, visit the Freedom Festival Volunteers page.
