Volunteer profile - Eddie, London

Eddie (right), with other vinspired Lake of Stars crew members

Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?

I first went to Lake of Stars in 2005 and loved the country so much I returned in early 2006 to help teach in a village and visited the festival whilst I was out there. When I learnt that vinspired Lake of Stars was looking for volunteers I was keen to get involved and do a job that I love, in a country I’m very passionate about.

What did you do?

In the UK I: helped book artists, managed all artist logistics, created all production plans prior to festival site, helped recruit and brief staff, acted as production manager for some UK events, assisted in office duties and programmed the festival.

In Malawi I: acted as Assistant Production Manager for the festival which pre-event entailed implementing and adjusting existing production plans in context of the site, helping support vinspired Lake of Stars staff in preparing their aspects of the festival and aiding with any requests from staff. During the event I helped manage staff in their respective areas and resolved any issues as they arose.

What next?

Thanks to contacts and friendships made at this year’s festival I’m talking with several people about job opportunities for the next year and I continue to work for vinspired Lake of Stars in developing plans for next year’s events.

Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?

Definitely. I have volunteered on some amazing projects and have consequently got to work alongside the leaders of my chosen career field and learn from them directly. If you enter a well-managed volunteer opportunity you can gain first-hand knowledge and experience, high-level industry contacts and good friends.

If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com

Words and photo by Eddie FitzPatrick, vinspired volunteer