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 14th June, so that we can prepare for your arrival.
The 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 AND LENAA 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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TBC 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 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 MoreDOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF THIS LIST HERE
These items are considered essential, based on many years of organising volunteer camps and workshops. Please let us know in advance if sourcing any of these items would be difficult, as we may be able to help.
This week involves hands-on making, outdoor work, and dusty conditions. Please bring clothes and items you don’t mind getting dirty, stained, or worn.
We also recommend reading the “Hygiene & Site Conditions” , “Workshop Clothing Packing List ” “PPE” sections of the handbook carefully
Camping & Sleeping
Clothing
Workwear (for workshop and build work)
During the working day, suitable close-fitting clothing must be worn, and long hair must be tied back and kept away from the face at all times for health and safety.
Downtime / Campsite Clothing
Clothing for evenings, rest time, and campsite use. Prioritise comfortable layers and practical clothing suitable for outdoor living selected with variable UK weather conditions and evening insects in mind.
Wet Weather & Cold Weather (Essential Additions)
Washing & Hygiene (Limited Facilities)
Personal Care (Hot, Dusty Conditions)
Equipment
Optional Comfort Items
WHAT3WORDS is a good way to explore and communicate locations.
https://what3words.com/sprouts.wreck.tractor
Every 3 metre square of the world has been given a unique combination of three words. Used for e-commerce and delivery, navigation, emergencies and more.
Here is a list of locations that are useful for us.
Site Entrance: ///sprouts.wreck.tractor
You can only access the festival site via this entrance.
Hi Vis Pick Up: ///prospered.basket.treetop
Stop here and collect Hi Vis Jacket when you arrive on site.
Production Reception: ///scrapped.novel.builds
Stop here on arrival before to sign in, to confirm site induction has been completed.
Entrance to our campsite: ///curated.darker.streamers
You can drive into the campsite.
Caravans and Campervan zone in our campsite: ///mermaids.renders.studs
One of our team will be in the campsite, so guide you to a suitable camp spot.
Showers: ///eased.formless.districts
Crewcatering: ///eggplants.crafted.cones
We expect showers to arrive and be plumbed in by end of Wednesday 19th August.
These are for use by our team and professional site and security crew.
Barn: ///prune.down.pilots
The site decor barn is accessed from the West.
These are some of the key locations on site:
Glade Arena: ///pillow.shrub.streamers
Hurried Over: ///survived.applause.broached
Campsite Hub: ///infants.dares.birthing
Rebel Rouser: ///verb.chatters.beans
Read More
There is a mobile shower unit with hot water in the camping area for our use, and portoloos.
You should expect to combine showering with basic campsite methods (such as a flannel wash or wet wipes) whilst you are on site. Please bring flannels, towels, and wipes or similar washing essentials to help you stay comfortable and clean. A full coverage dressing gown, flip flops and a bag for toiletries and clothing are useful for when using the showers.
As washing facilities will be limited, and working conditions can be dusty and dirty, it is important to plan for both comfort and protection during the day. We recommend bringing a sun hat, which will help protect against sun exposure and also reduce the amount of dust and dirt getting into your hair. Simple hygiene routines are strongly encouraged where possible, including changing clothes regularly, washing hands, and freshening up each day.
For health and safety all volunteers with long hair must keep it tied up or in braids while working. This also helps with comfort and hygiene in dusty conditions.
For volunteers with Afro hair, it may be helpful to arrive with protective styles already in place, along with essential hair care items such as leave-in conditioner, oils, a wide-tooth comb, and a satin or silk head covering (bonnet or scarf). Limited washing facilities and dusty working conditions can make hair care more challenging, so planning ahead with low-maintenance protective routines is strongly recommended
Read MoreLiving 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 MoreAll volunteers must complete a mandatory briefing/training session every year. It must be completed before you arrive on-site – without it, you will not be permitted to volunteer.
This year, the mandatory briefing is moving online and must be completed before arriving, rather than on-site as in previous years.
ACTION: Please access and complete the training using this link
If you have any questions about this content or technical issues, you can let us know at training@greenbelt.org.uk.
This is separate from any team-specific briefing, where your Team Leader will walk you through festival information, safety guidelines, and role-specific instructions. Your Team Leader will confirm the time and location of that session directly, if needed.
Read MoreIf you are travelling by train, the nearest station is Kettering Railway Station. Where possible, we will try to arrange collection from the station or put you in touch with other volunteers arriving at similar times so that you can coordinate travel together.
If tickets are already available, we recommend booking as early as possible to get the best prices.
When searching on Trainline or other booking websites, please use the following suggested journey times:
Arrival: Kettering — 23rd August, around 12:00
Departure: Kettering — 31 August, around 16:30
If you are arriving by private vehicle, please use the following exact address for Google Maps:
Greenbelt Festival, Boughton Estate, Near Home Farm, Kettering
Kettering NN14 3AG
Arrival & Departure Times
Arrival: 23 August, 12-13:00
Departure: 31 August, 16:30
We strongly recommend using What3Words to familairise your self with site entrances and key locations, there is often poor signal when you are nearby :
Entrance from Warkton Road: https://w3w.co/sprouts.wreck.tractor
Arrival check-in point (look for the orange flag — stop here to collect a hi-vis jacket and sign in): https://w3s.co/prospered.basket.treetop
Site Decor Barn: https://w3w.co/heaven.intervals.moods
Festival weekend entrance: https://w3s.co/sprouts.wreck.tractor
Campsite location: Coming soon
Additional travel information will also be shared in the WhatsApp groups, which we encourage all volunteers to join.
Read MoreWorking at height on uneven terrain is a common part of installation work. It also introduces additional risk compared to flat or indoor environments.
This guide sets out safe and consistent practice for using ladders on site.
Core Principle
If the ladder cannot be set safely, it must not be used.
No installation task is so urgent that it justifies unsafe working at height.
Even low-level use (two or three steps) can present risk and must be treated with care.
Training and Preparation
A ladder training and familiarisation session will take place on Sunday afternoon.
This will cover:
Site Conditions
Before using a ladder, always assess the ground:
Ladder Setup
Ladders must always be:
On uneven ground:
Safe Use
When working on a ladder:
Working on Installation Sites
Because installation work takes place on temporary structures and open ground:
Stop Work Rule
Stop immediately if:
Equipment Condition and Reporting
If a ladder is damaged or not functioning correctly (including feet, rungs, frame, or spreader bars):
Shared Responsibility
All team members are responsible for safe ladder use.
If unsafe practice is observed, stop work and raise it immediately.
Safety always takes priority over speed or convenience.
Read MoreMany of the Site Decor teams use rope and tie knots to install decor. You will find it useful if you take some time to learn a few knots before you arrive on site. You may already be familiar with some.
1. The Basic Truckers Hitch
The trucker’s hitch is arguably the most useful knot for marquee work if you need to create tight, tensioned lines.
The idea is that the knot system acts a bit like a pulley, allowing a moderate pulling force to generate significantly greater tension in the line.
Why it’s useful in marquees:
Why it’s useful compared with simply pulling a rope tight and tying it off:
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Trucker’s-Hitch
2. Round Turn and Two Half Hitches
Why learn it:
Typical use:
https://wiki.6ksg.org/Round_turn_and_two_half-hitches
3. Bowline
Why learn it:
Typical use:
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Bowline-Knot
3 Ways to Tie a Bowline Knot – wikiHow
4. Coiling rope
It is also good to be able to coil rope, so that it isn’tleft in a tangled mess.
https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Rope
“Start with the rope straight. Hold one end, then make evenly sized loops and stack them in your hand. Keep the rope from twisting as you go. When you reach the end, use the remaining rope to wrap around the middle of the coil and secure it. The goal is a coil that can be carried and unrolled without tangling.”
Read MoreAdhering to correct manual handling techniques protects your spine and muscles from injury:
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Sunday 23rd August |
Arrive between 12-1pm 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 24th |
7.30-8.15 Breakfast |
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Monday 31st August |
7.30-8 Breakfast |
We 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.
Aside from a good sized bowl for cereal and soup, a mug and cutlery you don’t need to bring any camping catering equipment for use during Build Week, you may wish to have some for the festival itself.
Breakfast
A breakfast buffet in the campsite each morning- with a range of cereals, fruit, teas, coffee and juice.
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.
Lunch
Pro Catering Hot Lunch
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.
Read MoreOur approach is simple: we reduce waste, reuse materials wherever possible, and ensure nothing is left behind on site.
Core Principles
We are working with materials that are valuable, reusable, and often handmade.
Nothing is left behind, and nothing reusable is thrown away.
Waste Streams
All of our site decor waste should be returned to the Barn where you can separate it.
Please sort materials into the correct containers:
If you are unsure where something goes, please ask before disposing of it.
A dedicated food waste bin is available in the Barn kitchen and dining area.
We are working on open land that is later used for grazing.
This means:
Cable ties and plastic fixings must be used carefully and sparingly.
All removed cable ties must be collected and returned for recycling.
Cable ties must never be placed in general waste or left on the ground.
Litter and Site Cleanliness
No litter must be left on site at any time.
This includes:
All team members are responsible for maintaining a clean site throughout installation, not only at the end.
Because the land is used for grazing after the festival, even small items of waste can cause serious harm. Every item must be removed.
Flags, Bunting, and Decorative Materials
Flags, bunting, and decorative materials are valuable, reusable assets generously made by volunteers.
These materials are designed for long-term reuse and must be treated with care.
Before leaving site, the team must ensure:
If in doubt: check and take it with you.
Closing Principle
We are temporary guests on this land.
Everything we install is part of a longer cycle of reuse, care, and responsibility. Leaving no trace is not just a rule — it is part of how we respect the place, the people, and the work that continues after us.
Read MoreTrained First Aiders
The trained first aiders within the volunteer team are:
From Monday onwards, a Build Medic will be based at the First Aid Point in the Glade Arena.
First Aid Locations
The primary first aid locations on the festival build site are:
If you’re in need of help or cannot walk to a first aider, please find your nearest radio holder or use your radio if you have one. Some static points;
[Radio channel info TBC]
For minor cuts, grazes and scrapes, basic first aid supplies such as plasters are available in the bathroom mirror cupboard. Please do not use the green first aid kit for minor injuries, as it must remain fully stocked and available for more serious incidents.
Non-Urgent First Aid – Walking wounded
Not all incidents require an urgent response.
For minor injuries or illnesses, volunteers should contact their Team Leader or walk to the Build Medic in the first instance. Team Leaders are equipped with radios and can provide guidance or arrange assistance if required.
Where possible, volunteers requiring first aid treatment should attend the Glade Arena First Aid Point and be assessed by the Build Medic.
If a volunteer is unable to travel to the First Aid Point, the Team Leader should contact Medic by radio to request assistance.
Emergency Response
In the event of a very serious injury, illness, or incident requiring an emergency response:
TEAM LEADERS: anything requiring medic attention let Saga know as soon as is appropriate. If there is an active and ongoing emergency please inform her immediately.
Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Always prioritise your own safety. Location Information
Should you need it, a precise location can be provided to Emergency Services using the What3Words app. Please download this app to your mobile phone.
Key locations (such as Glade, Hurried Over etc) are on a poster in the barn.
Illness and Welfare Support
If you become unwell in the campsite please contact Beverly, Lina or Helen.
We will make sure you are cared for and can access appropriate support. Where necessary, a first aider will assess the situation and help determine whether further medical attention is required.
Please let someone know as soon as possible if you are feeling unwell. Early support can often prevent a minor issue from becoming more serious.
If you are seriously unwell, experiencing difficulty breathing, severe allergic reactions, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or any other medical emergency, seek immediate assistance from a first aider and call 999 if required.
Read MoreThere will be two volunteer lounges at the festival.
The
main – and biggest – lounge will be in the Campsite Hub, near the 24 hour Cafe and Milk & Honey. You will be able to see it as you walk from the Volunteer Reception into the Campsite. Here you’ll be able to talk to Volunteer Information, grab a drink, take a seat and meet up with other volunteers.Plus, there is a second lounge, located in the heart of the festival village as quick stopping point for volunteers on shift in the festival village to grab a drink. It’ll be in the Orchard behind the No Fly Zone. This lounge will be much smaller than the main lounge and may not be staffed at all times.
Children and others, who are not volunteers, are not allowed in either of the Volunteer Lounges. The Volunteer Lounge team will keep you topped up with hot and cold drinks, biscuits, fruit, toast, soup and maybe even a cake or two. Do bring your own mugs if you can.
If you’ve got a question or need contact details or directions, the Volunteers’ Lounge has a Volunteer Information desk. The Volunteer Information team will help you with anything you need to find out. There will be notice boards here with important information and updates.
You can also get your phone charged in the Volunteer Lounge in the campsite. Bring your own charging cable.
The Volunteer Lounge will be open from 9am on Wednesday 20th.
Read More