Supporting us

Stewards and Volunteers

Stewards are an integral part of the Festival – without them the event simply wouldn’t work! So, we are always on the lookout for enthusiastic people, who are interested in the performing arts, to assist with stewarding and have some fun as well.

There is a variety of tasks for which stewards are required:

• The adjudicator’s steward, as the name suggests, assists the adjudicator and ensures that the competition room runs smoothly
• The door steward controls entry and exit to and from the competition room
• The scribe completes the certificates in readiness for presentation to the competitors
• The treasury steward has responsibility for selling tickets and programmes outside the competition room

The Festival takes place in early/mid March and a workshop is usually held early in February for all new stewards to explain what will be required of them and how various parts of the system work. More experienced stewards are usually in attendance and are always ready and willing to answer any queries which might arise. When stewards receive notification of the sessions to which they have been allocated they will also receive a written job description(s) and a copy of procedures. It is our aim that stewards are well-prepared before entering the competition rooms.

The majority of the classes take place during the day, including Saturdays, but there are some classes in both Speech & Drama and Music which are evening events. There are some very talented young people in the area and stewarding at the Festival not only helps provide a platform to show off that talent, but also gives the stewards an opportunity to see them in performance.

So … do you have an interest in the performing arts? Do you have a few hours to spare during the week, when you could be watching or listening to the young people of the area giving of their best? Would you like to try your hand at stewarding for the Festival? There is no minimum number of hours required – we are very appreciative of any time that can be given. The role of the steward does NOT require any form of DBS check – we simply ask that you provide the names of two referees (a requirement with regard to Child Protection policy).

Briefing meetings to update stewards, and Workshops for training new stewards are held prior to the Festival every year. For dates of these meetings please find the Festival Calendar on the website menu.

If you would like to discuss this further or have any unanswered questions, please contact the General Secretary, Rosemarie Johnson, on 01249 655151 or email stewards@midsomersetfestival.org

Members and Friends of the Mid-Somerset Festival

Members

Are you interested in having a say in how the Festival is run? Do you have skills in the performing arts or have business experience which might help us with administration. A Festival Member is entitled to attend General Meetings, to vote and to stand for election to the General Council itself. If you are interested in becoming a Member, please download the MSF Membership application form and forward it to the General Secretary. The current annual subscription is £10 and is payable on 1st December annually. All applications are subject to approval by the General Council.

Friends

Are you sympathetic to our aims? Do you support and enjoy the performing arts? Have you competed in the Festival yourself at some time or enjoyed seeing your own children participate? If so, will you consider supporting us by becoming a Friend of the Festival?

Every individual who makes a donation plays a vital role in enabling the Festival to continue. We do ask a Friend to give a minimum donation of £15 a year but, whatever the size of the donation, it will be very much appreciated and valued. As a Friend, during the Festival fortnight you can collect a Festival Pass and a programme from the Festival Office, which provide free entry to all classes.

If you are interested in becoming a Member or a Friend please e-mail gen.sec@midsomersetfestival.org or telephone Rosemarie Johnson, Mid-Somerset Festival General Secretary on 01249 655151.