As a member of the Site Decor – Build Team you are responsible for reading this Handbook
On the following pages there is some key information for you. But also a list of actions for you to do now. Please do this as soon as possible, I would like the questionnaire information by the 26th June, so that we can prepare for your arrival.
Our expectations of you:
A dedicated Site Decor campsite is provided close to the workshop. It is separate from the main festival campsite.
Please also note that during the Make and Build weeks it is not possible to camp in the main campsite.
Pre- festival support
While there is no formal Volunteer Support team on site during Make and Build Week. If you’re feeling a bit lost, over tired or overwhelmed – please speak to Helen in the Site Decor Team.
Support During the Festival
If you have a problem you’d like to chat about – big or small, personal or practical, if you’re feeling a bit lost, over tired or overwhelmed – we have a team to help you out. The Volunteer Support Team will call into your venue during the weekend to find out how you’re getting on or you can contact them via the Volunteers’ Lounge info desk. Members of the Volunteer Support team wear purple hi vis jackets.
As well as the specific support for volunteers we also have the Festival Wellbeing, who are based in the Festival Village. Team members, who wear pale blue hi-vis, will be available for anyone, should they feel overwhelmed by something they have listened to onsite, or if they just need someone to talk to. The team will be based near the information point.
Read MoreThe Site Decor Build Week team at Greenbelt includes about fifty volunteers of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds, and creative and practical skill sets. Our aim is to enliven the site, making focal points and creating distinctive places and characterful venues.
As a member of the team you have a vital role, you will be involved in decorating most of the 40 locations across the festival site. You volunteered to be part of this team, because you are energetic and creative, and would like to be part of the team that brings life to venues across the festival.
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Saga Site Decor Producer, Greenbelt staff |
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Helen Saga’s PA on site, and Team Admin during year. |
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Beverly Team Support |
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Sue and Lena Team Caterers |
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Al Barn and Flatbed Team Leaders |
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Abi Bunting Team Leader |
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Peter Hard Decor Team Leaders |
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George Rowland Rigging Team Leader |
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Susie and Liane Soft Decor Team Leaders |
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Tracie and Ted Waymarkers Team Leader |
We are here to help and guide you in your role. We are your first point of contact on site and in advance.
Read MoreAll volunteers are covered by Greenbelt’s liability insurance. Unfortunately, Greenbelt is unable to insure any personal items you bring with you to site, unless agreed in advance with the Event Manager. There is no secure storage provided at the festival. Please make sure your own insurance policy covers any items you decide to bring with you.
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Sunday 17th August |
Arrive between 11-12.30pm 2pm we will meet as a whole Site Decor team, and then will break into the sub teams. You will meet your team leader and fellow team members. |
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Monday 18th |
7.30-8.15 Breakfast |
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Monday 25th August |
7.30-8 Breakfast |
These are essential items, listed after years of organising this.
Please let us know if you would find sourcing any of these items difficult.
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CAMP SET UP |
Tent Warm bedding Camping chair (optional, if you are coming by train we’ll have chairs for you, but i don’t have enough for the whole team) |
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EQUIPMENT |
Torch- there is no lighting on site at all at night so it is very dark at night. Phone charger and battery pack – please label these with your name, there will be opportunity to charge battery packs- not phones) Small day backpack Insect repellent |
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CATERING |
We have set things up so that you won’t need to cook for yourself, so don’t need to bring camp cooking equipment for Build Week. Although you may need it/wish to during the festival itself. Refillable water bottle Mug Bowl (suitable for soup and cereal) Spoon Thermos If you will want a hot drink at tea break you will need one Snacks and Drinks You might want to bring snacks to complement the hot soup and bread provided each evening. There will be no access to fridge or freezer for these. |
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GENERAL CLOTHING |
Waterproof coat & trousers Sun hat Underwear and socks for a week Comfortable and warmer clothes for the evenings on campsite Dressing Gown, Towel, wash things & flip flops for shower. Toiletries Flip flops/crocs for the shower Festival clothes |
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SITE DECOR CLOTHING |
Knee length shorts or trousers in a thick cotton twill or denim along the line of these: https://www.diy.com/departments/tools-equipment/safety-workwear/workwear/work-shorts/DIY1136861.cat Tee shirts, long sleeves, sweatshirts: T-shirts that cover shoulders, back and midriff, rather than vest tops, since they provide better protection of your skin when lifting etc Steel toed boots if you have them, we will provide them if you don’t. Good socks- you will be walking long distances every day. bring sufficient thick socks, with extras in case of poor weather Work gloves if you have them, we have them if you don’t. |
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PPE |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) If you need Personal Protective Equipment for your volunteer role ( hi- vis jacket, gloves, steel toe boots, googles, masks ) – you will be issued with these. `if you have your own you may find these more comfortable, and we would like you to bring them. For your own safety, please make sure you use what you’ve been issued with and follow any instructions given. |
Please use the correct bins provided:
♻️ Dry recycling: tins, cans, paper, and Tetra Pak
🗑️ General waste: non-recyclable items only (black bins)
🍽️ Food Waste in SD Catering Tent
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Before 26th June |
Please fill in this questionnaire (link coming soon) it will mean that we are prepared for your arrival so things can be as smooth as possible. |
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Travel |
If you travel by train the nearest station is Kettering. You can book your trains now. Then you can tell us what time you would want to be collected on the questionnaire above. We try and collect everyone that needs it. |
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Parking and Caravan Permit |
You do not need a permit to park a car or caravan during Build Week. However you will need a car permit for the festival itself, or if you want to move your caravan away from the site decor campsite. You can now order for your free Car Parking or your Campervan/Caravan Pass. Please follow this link to our box office, then click continue until you get to the correct page, to order. Campervan/Caravan Passes require a deposit of £35 which includes space for an awning or a pup tent. You will need to use the discount code VOL25CAR for car passes and VOL25CVD for a campervan or caravan. If you are bringing a caravan, you only need the Campervan Pass, not the Car Parking Pass. |
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Tee Shirt |
If you would like to do so, you can buy yourself a Volunteer T-shirt. It’s not compulsory, but it is always a popular addition to volunteer’s wardrobes. Volunteers get this t-shirt at the cost price of £15. Order now, and have delivered to your home. They will not be available on site. |
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Wristband and Other Volunteer Support Package items |
Beverly and Helen will have your wristbands, you will receive them on Thursday. |
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Driver |
We will need a new driver for the flat bed. Could this be you? The insurance company requirements for drivers are below: – No drivers under 21 years or over 80 years old |
Living and working in a field for a week brings a unique set of challenges, including managing periods. The guidance below is designed to help you stay comfortable while also supporting sustainable site management.
We recommend bringing your preferred sanitary supplies with you. However, if you need additional products during the event, a small emergency supply is available in the Mirror Cabinet in the Barn Loo.
During the festival, support is also available from First Aid and the Information Point if required.
Disposal of Sanitary Products
Across the site there are different types of toilets, and disposal options vary.
Portaloo toilets (plastic units)
Sanitary towels may be disposed of in portaloo bins. While tampons and pads can technically be flushed in these systems, we strongly encourage you not to do so. Flushing increases water processing demand after the event and has a greater environmental impact.
Where possible, please wrap sanitary products in toilet paper and dispose of them in the nearest general waste bin.
However, we recognise this may not always be practical, and individual choice should be respected.
Compost toilets (long drops)
Sanitary products must not be placed in compost toilets under any circumstances.
Please wrap products in toilet paper and dispose of them in the nearest general waste bin.
Menstrual Cups (Moon Cups)
For menstrual cup users during Make and Build Week, the Barn has access to plumbed toilets with running water, which can be used for washing and rinsing.
A flask of hot water may also be useful for comfort or cleaning while on site or at camp.
During the festival, there are accessible toilets with running water available on site, which can be used if needed for rinsing.
Please be mindful that these facilities are primarily intended for people with disabilities and access needs, who may not have alternative options. Where possible, use these facilities considerately and avoid unnecessary delay.
Read MoreIf you are arriving by train the nearest station is Kettering. Where possible we will try to arrange for you to be collected from the station, or make you aware of other train users arriving at the same time
If you are arriving by private vehicle this is the address to use:
Greenbelt Festival, Near Home Farm. Boughton Estate. Kettering NN14 3AG
The What3Words for the entrance from Warkton Road is: https://w3w.co/sprouts.wreck.tractor
What3Words for arrival spot: https://w3s.co/prospered.basket.treetop
Look for the Orange Flag – stop here and collect hi vis jacket, and sign in.
What3Word for the Campsite: Coming Soon
What3Words for the Site Decor barn is: https://w3w.co/heaven.intervals.moods
What3Words for the Festival Weekend entrance: https://w3s.co/sprouts.wreck.tractor
W3W is by the easiest way to locate the correct entrance to the site, so I encourage you to look at the website, and use this for navigation, rather than the address.
Information like this will also be uploaded to the whatsapp groups that I encourage you to join.
Read MoreWe offer 3 meals per day to the Site Decor Team.
We accommodate dietary requirements as far as possible, so long as you have informed us on the questionnaire.
There will be a rota for setting up and clearing breakfast and evening meal provision.
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Breakfast |
A breakfast buffet in the campsite each morning- with a range of cereals, fruit, teas, coffee and juice. |
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Tea Breaks |
Fill your thermos up at breakfast time so you have a hot drink for tea break. Team leader will have a supply of biscuits and cake. |
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Lunch |
Pro Catering Hot Lunch |
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Evening meal |
Home made soup with fresh bread made for us by team member Sue. Plus something sweet. On Thursday evening we celebrate the festival opening and our successes, by eating a meal from the festival traders on site. |
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On Thursday 27th at 6pm you’re invited to a celebratory meal for all Site Decor volunteers. We will make a WhatsApp group to coordinate this during make week.
Read MoreRegrettably, we are currently unable to offer electric car charging points. Please ensure you have enough charge for getting on and off site. Here are some nearby charging points.
For more information, visit www.greenbelt.org.uk/info/travel
Read MoreVolunteers can purchase a Festival Guide from the Volunteers’ Lounge, from the Wednesday of ‘Build Week’. The Guide provides details of everything on the programme for the weekend.
You will be able to purchase a guide at the reduced price of £8.00, giving a discount of £4.00, if you use the discount voucher your team leader will give to you at your briefing/training. The discount voucher will be with the drinks vouchers you’ll also receive.
Read MoreThere’s a limited-edition Greenbelt 2026 Volunteers t-shirt. Pre-order yours by 1 July 2026 – then collect it from the Volunteer Lounge at the festival. The tee will not be available to buy at the festival.
Read MoreYour Festival-maker wristband will give you access to the production area, as far as Front Desk, and the Volunteer Lounge. If you need access to other parts of the site, or if your role means you’ve needed to have a DBS check, you will still be issued with an ID badge. Not all volunteers will receive an ID badge.
As usual, we will be collecting in lanyards and hi-vis so that they can be used again next year. Hi-vis can be returned to Volunteer Information, if you don’t need it once the festival has opened. You can also return it to a steward as you leave site. It would be really helpful if you could close the velcro on the hi-vis, before you return it. If everyone does this, it saves them all getting stuck together in the washing machine!
Read MoreIf you get approached to comment on something, or get drawn into anything on social media which starts to look like more than a little chat, please let Daisy Ghira (Greenbelt’s Digital Comms Officer) know (she can be reached through Control or via daisy@greenbelt.org.uk).
Please can you make sure that you have liked the OFFICIAL Facebook page (as well as the Unofficial one – if you want to see the chatter which goes on there). Just liking the Unofficial page doesn’t give you all the up-to-date information from the festival – such as line-up news, blogs, useful information etc.
If you can, please also follow us on Bluesky and Instagram. Please like, retweet and share information if you feel able to. The more people like and share things, the more likely they are to be put in people’s timelines.
If you do engage with a conversation and it turns tricky, please let Daisy know asap. Any complaints about the festival should be directed to her as well; you don’t have to deal with them. Similarly, any words of praise and awe about our Festival would also be good to send her way for us to use in social media etc.
Finally, our hashtags etc for this year is: #GB26 so please use it if you can.
Read MorePlease do not share photos of the festival site on social media (including on the Unofficial Greenbelt Facebook page) until the festival opens.
Read MoreYou may be asked to comment on items on the programme, particularly about contributors who may be speaking on topics which could be controversial. However innocent this may appear, you may be speaking to a journalist who may take your comments as being made on Greenbelt’s behalf. Please direct any requests of this kind to Daisy Ghira (Greenbelt’s Digital Comms Officer), who can be reached on radio or through Control.
You can, of course, speak freely with the Greenbelt Social Media Volunteer team, as they’re part of our internal comms and are making content for Greenbelt’s own channels
Read MoreTo support you in your role Greenbelt (we provide 3 meals per day on Monday- Thursday and on Monday. This is a combination of team catering and crew catering, plus vouchers for a celebratory meal on the Thursday) offers a package including food vouchers to contribute to a meal or snack for each six to seven-hour shift completed, discount vouchers for the Festival Guide, Jesus Arms drink voucher, discounted talks voucher, free showers, training and briefing and support for your role and – of course – entry to the festival.
There will, again, be a limited-edition Greenbelt 2025 Volunteer t-shirt that you will be able to buy. More details of this will be sent out in July.
As well as all that, you’ll be able to develop new skills, make new friends, face a fresh challenge, make your own contribution as part of a team – and hopefully have fun too!
We work hard to make volunteering opportunities open to everyone and try to match people to the roles which will suit them best. We listen to your feedback and make improvements wherever we can. We aim to provide a positive and friendly atmosphere in each team, so that you’ll enjoy your weekend as much as you can. Greenbelt wouldn’t happen without you.
Read MoreAs Greenbelt campers, please help to ensure you leave no trace of your visit. Please continue to be particularly vigilant about small items such as tent pegs, which can be hazardous to animals.
Read MorePlease check this webpage in the run-up to the festival for latest updates.
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