Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?
I got made redundant and I wanted to get involved with a project that interested me. I have always followed vinspired, I signed up to their mailing list and saw a link to vinspired Lake of Stars, so I contacted Tom in the office and asked if I could get involved - it all took off from there really.
What did you do?
In the UK I: was mainly involved in photography work, I covered the interviews some other volunteers did with DJ Yoda and Radioclit, plus I went to V festival and interviewed some of the acts myself about why volunteering is important for festivals. Next week I will be conducting a post-festival interview with the Maccabees and I'm currently going through all the footage of this year's festival to select images to produce a photobook.
What next?
I’m using the experience and contacts gained to improve my photography portfolio, aswell as continuing to be involved in a really interesting project - if time is kind to me I’ll be able to be involved more in future events.
I’ve gone back to work as a freelance photographer in London and anywhere else in the world someone will pay me to visit!
Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?
Of course. Volunteering can take you to places that you can never imagine, like Malawi! It can also give you access to cool spots, like backstage access to the Strongbow tent at the V festival where I mingled with the stars.
If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
Words and photo by Dwiko Arie, vinpsired volunteer
