Why did you get involved in vinspired Lake of Stars?
I had just finished college and was looking for a project to keep me busy while I hunted for a job. I have fallen in love with Africa on my travels, and I’d heard BBC Radio 1’s documentary about last year’s festival, which sounded amazing and like something I really wanted to get involved with.
What did you do?
In the UK I: worked in the office as a member of the core UK team, liaised with media and PR contacts, collated all media coverage, interviewed artists and volunteers, attended gigs and researched new ideas for the festival to progress, among many other things! Because vLOS is staffed by such a small team of dedicated volunteers, every day is different and presents a new challenge, which I love. I have such a varied role, in just one day I can be a journalist, PR account manager, press officer and researcher all rolled into one.
In Malawi I: managed Festival Control dealing with on the ground, practical and logistical aspects of producing the festival, with enquiries about anything and everything, ranging from ‘The power’s gone on the main stage, can you get me some more?!’ to ‘Can you find out the football scores for me?’
What next?
I’m using the experience and contacts gained to help me get a job. Coming from a journalism background, the media contacts I have made are going to be invaluable in the future. But it has also been brilliant to be dealing with the media from all angles, as it has given me a greater understanding of how the industry functions.
Since returning to the UK I have continued to work with vinspired Lake of Stars, helping to develop ideas for the festival for the future.
Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?
I’m using the experience and contacts gained to help me get a job. Coming from a journalism background, the media contacts I have made are going to be invaluable in the future. But it has also been brilliant to be dealing with the media from all angles, as it has given me a greater understanding of how the industry functions.
Since returning to the UK I have continued to work with vinspired Lake of Stars, helping to develop ideas for the festival for the future.
Would you recommend volunteering for other young people?
In a word, yes. Volunteering has not only opened doors for me to help me build my future career, it has also been a lot of fun and I’ve worked with great people and made some good friends. The experience that vinspired Lake of Stars has offered me is invaluable – I’m gaining contacts and advice from industry professionals that money can’t buy.
If you are 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
Words and photo by Rosie Ponting, vinspired volunteer.
