Staff and Volunteer Festival and Event Feedback

Aaron Download Festival – 2017

Had a great time working at Download 2017. I met some amazing people and helped out countless festival goers with so many different things; the best way to experience festivals! 

Aaron Reading Festival – 2010 (Quantity Surveyor and Qualified Carpenter and Joiner)

After working as a CAT at reading festival 2009, I swore to always volunteer at the UK's best festival each year after, and 2010 has once again been an amazing experience! The role has delivered me 2 of the best friends I have ever met, fun working experiences helping the public campers and some amazingly fun staff members. The perk of staff camping and arena access is a sweet icing on the cake!

Abigail Latitude Festival – 2016

Over the summer I volunteered at Latitude and Leeds Festival. I was a bit apprehensive at first coming alone but no word of a lie it was one of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I meet some amazing people on and off shift but I got to experience a whole new side of the festival. Thanks so much loved every bit and can't wait to come back next year!

Aimee Leeds Festival – 2008 (Marketing Customer Support Executive for MBNA Chester)

Being a CAT at Leeds Festival 2008 was amazing! It was so much fun, I met some of the most amazing and crazy people both staff and punters! The shifts were good too, I got to meet loads of people and see loads of the bands too. I would defiantly get soaked through and muddy all over again as a CAT in 2009!!!!!

Alan Camp Bestival Dorset – 2019

For myself, I enjoyed the fact that as a paid team member I did a variety of things - wristband supervising for a couple of days then arena stewarding for the final 2 shifts - as I normally just do the fire towers. What I liked the most was the sincere thanks I/we received from the festival public, it made everything feel very worthwhile (inc. the 6 hour drive to get there, ha, must check where the festival is next time!)

On the subject of thanks I'd just like to add that the Hotbox team there also made it clear that they appreciated the effort we all made to help everyone enjoy their time at Camp Bestival. So, finally, I would just like to thank them for their hard work and patience across the long hours they work to keep the organisers happy.

Alessandro Download Festival – 2017

Working at Download as a volunteer was a great experience for me, and I would like to thank you for this opportunity. It's one that I'm glad I've experienced and I would definitely do it again!

Alex Download Festival – 2019

Thanks for an amazing experience, it was my first year volunteering with Hotbox at Download Festival and I can’t wait to see what Leeds Festival has to offer!

Alex Leeds Festival – 2018

This is the 3rd time I've worked with Hotbox and it has been the best yet! Everyone was so lovely, I can't wait to come back next year and hopefully do more than just Leeds and Download!! 

Alex Reading Festival – 2008 (Divisional Manager, Renewable & Sustainable Energy Division, Working on behalf of Logic Engagements)

I worked at Reading Festival as a CAT in 2008 and had a brilliant time. The job is fun and takes up very little of your time so you get to do and see everything you want to. It is well organised and a great way to experience the Festival for free and meet new people!

Alice Reading Festival – 2008 (English Literature Student, Lancaster University)

Having been a CAT at Reading Festival, I wouldn't go back to being a regular camper. A great way to enjoy the weekend and meet new people

Alison Reading Festival – 2009

I thought the midnight to 8am shift would be tough but I enjoyed it the most. All the campers were chilled in our area (Indigo) and most were asleep by 5 am. Overall a really good experience.

Amii Latitude Festival – 2009 (Administration Assistant, King's College London)

Before working at Latitude I had never worked at or even been to a festival so I was slightly nervous despite already knowing one or two of the CAT volunteers. I soon found there was no reason to be apprehensive. Every one of the staff and volunteers were fantastic, friendly people and I had made new friends within hours of arriving. I had great fun working my shifts (despite lots of rain and thunderstorms) and met some interesting people. I've even become an expert at packing pop-up tents! I'm really looking forward to working at Reading this summer and Latitude in 2010.

Amy Leeds Festival – 2011

2011 will be my 6th year working with Hotbox Events and as ever, I cannot wait for the summer to arrive! Over the past 5 years I have met some amazing people, had some wonderful times, made loads of friends and even managed to meet the odd celeb or two. I've had the fantastic opportunity to be part of Hotbox Events and see the organisation grow and develop and really make a difference to people's festival experience. Thank you to everyone who has made my last 5 summers so great and I'll see you all in a field very soon.

Angela Reading Festival – 2021

I would 100% volunteer again.  I have been attending Reading for the last 20+ years and this is the first year I have volunteered.  It was great to see the other side of the festival and I met some fantastic people over the course of the weekend.  It has made me appreciate more the effort that goes on behind the scenes to make sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable festival experience. Hopefully see you next year!

Angelo Reading Festival – 2022

Working at Reading Festival was a pleasure. The 3 shifts with different team leaders were excellent. Martyn, Sam and Connor were brilliant and made the shift. It felt more like a team than other companies and I enjoyed being part of a team and not just a number.

Ankur Camp Bestival Dorset – 2021

It was a great festival and we enjoyed it so much! It was our first time working at a festival and it was a wonderful experience for both of us. We had lovely chats and shared smiles with hundreds of people while wristbanding and when we were in the arena it felt amazing to help everyone. After the non-social year, it was a treat to meet and help others. Everyone at the festival was in such an amazing spirit this year. We also got plenty of time to enjoy the festival and watched some great bands and DJs. It was a fun week and I can't wait to do it again.

Anna Latitude Festival – 2012

I had a fantastic time volunteering this year at Reading and Latitude Festivals. The job presented challenges and rewards, both expected and unexpected. The experience has helped confirm my decision to move from a career in IT to a more customer-service oriented one in tourism.

Anya Camp Bestival Dorset – 2021 (Events Management Student)

I worked as a steward the first day doing Covid checks and wristbanding, then Saturday night in the arena. I travelled all the way from Glasgow to the festival with two of my friends it was good fun and well worth it! Apart from the weather ripping holes and creating puddles in our tent we had such an amazing time. Two of us study Events and Festival Management at University and we were really grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with Hotbox. We are volunteering again with Hotbox at the Leeds Festival and we are looking forward to it. We're also bringing a better tent!

Aron Reading Festival – 2018

I really thank you for this great opportunity to be a part of this awesome festival! It was probably one of the best weeks of my life! I met a lot of nice people, had a great time, and the shifts were really interesting.

I hope to meet you again next year, so I can be a part of an other amazing festival event again!

Ashley Leeds Festival – 2014

I cannot imagine doing a festival any other way. You get to work with some awesome people, see almost all the bands you want, have a safe and secure campsite and a free ticket. Your shifts fly by and I would hardly call being a friendly face around the campsites something that is particularly stressful!

Austin Reading Festival – 2017

I absolutely loved my shifts at Reading 2017. The atmosphere was fantastic and my fellow volunteers were lovely. 
I worked in purple zone for every shift and enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed my time so much that I decided I would comeback the following morning to help. 
I loved the festival and the volunteering and I can’t wait to do it again next year!
Thanks to everyone on the Hotbox team for such an amazing experience

Becan Reading Festival – 2012 (Mechanical Engineering Student, Manchester University)

When I first signed up if I'm honest I was just thinking about saving some money but by the end of my first shift I was surprised to find I had actually quite enjoyed it. It was a bit surreal walking around the campsites, talking to drunk people until stupid o'clock then seeing them wake up before my shift had even ended but through a carefully regimented diet of pot noodle and coffee I managed to save some money, see some great bands and generally have a great weekend. Would recommend anyone to try this at least once in their lives as it really was a weekend I'll never forget. Oh and also, the showers where good!

Belinda Reading Festival – 2022

I had the most amazing time with you all and I want to say thank you for the opportunity. Arrival was easy with good directions and the campsite was a good size. Your staff are great people and I would rate the experience very highly.

Bianca Reading Festival – 2019

I came from Italy to volunteer at Reading Festival and I can say my expectations were satisfied 100%! I met cool people who I am still currently hearing from, I got to see my favourite artists, and all in exchange for three totally enjoyable shifts. So, thank you Hotbox and see you next time!

Carol Latitude Festival – 2019

I had a great time at Latitude 2019. Having attended the festival as paying public for many years it was very interesting to be on the other side as “crew”.

We enjoyed the community/village feel of the Hotbox camping area, everyone was super friendly. The tent with the kettles in was a fab idea and having our own loos was a bonus.

The staff showers were great and very close by, on only one occasion I queued for 5 minutes (which is nothing), other days I walked straight in.

The Hotbox Team were helpful, happy and approachable - our shift supervisors Taran, Sarah and Lucy were great.

Carole and Steve Latitude Festival – 2014 (Chartered Surveyor and a Parish Clerk RFO)

After being festival goers for a number of years, now the family has grown up and we have a little more time on our hands we decided to extend the festival experience by volunteering for a week at Latitude 2014 as CATs! We did not really know what we had let ourselves in for but we were so glad we did because our fellow CATs, supervisors and festival goers were absolutely lovely and great fun. It was so nice to see the relieved smiles on people's faces when we helped them to put up their tents they bought the day before! The festival goers we assisted and chatted to, made a point of coming up to us later in the festival (when we were off duty) to say thank you again and for a chat which was so nice. Latitude Festival was amazing as usual but what made it special was flashing our crew wristbands to get in and out of the arena so quickly, it really made us feel important (is that sad?). The mixture of age and enthusiasm of our fellow volunteers and staff just helped make the festival experience so fab - we wished we had done this years ago and we are definitely coming back in 2015!

Cath Latitude Festival – 2019

I had a great time at Latitude this year. The other volunteers were a lovely, friendly bunch of all ages and I got to see lots of the festival. Our campsite was good - thank you for installing a couple of emergency loos this year.

A fantastic experience, and I hope to come again.

Cath Latitude Festival – 2018

I had a fantastic time at Latitude and enjoyed working with Hotbox. Volunteers were friendly, the camping field was a good size, and it was quiet enough at night to get some sleep. I would definitely like to volunteer again. Thank you for the opportunity.
I loved the experience.

Celina Camp Bestival Shropshire and Reading – 2022

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of Hotbox this year! This was my first few festivals (Camp Bestival Shropshire and Reading) and I thoroughly enjoyed them. The staff are all amazing and I've made some really good friends as well as memories. Being able to have a break hut with music and snacks was a really good part of the shifts and the snacks in the staff gazebo and catering tent were very good as it was away enough in both festivals to sit and relax. Thank you again and I cannot wait for next festival season!

Charlotte Camp Bestival Dorset – 2019

I just want to say a huge thank you for an amazing weekend!

I was volunteering and this was my first time doing this at a festival completely solo. I had the best time!

Everyone was super helpful and although the shifts were quite long, I thoroughly enjoyed them. I met the best people and am still close friends with them after the festival.

I want to also say a huge thank you to Steph and Rachel for helping me get my stuff to the gate on the final day so the coach pick up was super easy for me!

I even got to speak to them about supervisor roles as I have experience in this field so I will definitely be looking into that for next summer. 

Charlotte Reading Festival – 2016

Me and my friends arrived a few days early because of our shifts which made it more of a week instead of a weekend, which was great! We had an amazing time, and met lots of amazing people. We were together on every shift but still made other friends while we were there, our shift managers were lovely and we had fun watching music. Working with Hotbox meant we had a nice little camp with little noise which is always a bonus! We had so much more fun than we ever expected and I recommend it to anyone!

Charlotte Latitude Festival – 2011 (Decorative Arts Student, Nottingham Trent University)

I had an amazing time working with Hotbox this year! I worked at Latitude Festival with a friend and Reading Festival on my own, met so many awesome people and I can't wait to do it all again next year!

Chloe Leeds Festival – 2018

I had a wonderful time volunteering with Hotbox at Leeds festival, thank you for creating such an amazing atmosphere to work within and for allowing me to become a part of the festival. 

Chris Reading Festival – 2019

I had a great time volunteering with Hotbox Events this year, it was my first time volunteering, and first big festival surprisingly! I was a solo volunteer and immediately felt welcomed by the team and everyone else. If the line up is good it is definitely something I will consider again for next year!

Chris Latitude Festival – 2015

It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of people. The Hotbox managers were very good to deal with and it was a great chance to see lots of bands that were new to us. Good camaraderie amongst the volunteers too. 

Chris Leeds Festival – 2008 (Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor Flintshire County Council North Wales)

2008 was my third year with CATs at Leeds Festival and now my summers will never be the same without them, the organisation is a lot bigger now than when I first started but we have all grown as a family that have this huge reunion every year, I have met some fantastic people and have been lucky enough to meet some of my favourite artists on the odd occasion. The shifts are brilliant and we get to see at least two nights of the bands over the weekend. I cannot wait to be reunited with my CAT family old and new, and am planning to be a CAT at Latitude this year as well. Roll on Leeds & Latitude Festivals 2009!

Cindy Leeds Festival – 2009 (Hollistic Therapist, Nottingham)

I'd never been to Leeds before so it was a bit nerve racking when I decided to go by myself as I thought most people would have applied with friends. As soon as I got there though everyone was dead friendly and it turned out that most people had done the same as me and were meeting everyone for the first time. Shifts were good as well I only missed about 4 hours of the actual festival so I didn't feel like I had missed anything really. Shifts were actually very enjoyable, we were campsite assistants so not a bad job as we got to socialise a bit and got to meet some "interesting" people. You feel your belongings are a lot safer as well as you're camped in the staff area. I was really gutted when it was all over, and I met some amazing people who I plan to stay in touch with. I also met POO GIRL the Leeds 2009 legend. Good times :) x

Clare Reading Festival – 2018

I came from Australia by myself, and volunteering with Hotbox gave me the perfect way to get to one of my bucket list festivals, as I didn’t feel like going as a punter alone.

Volunteering with Hotbox was the perfect mix of meeting new amazing people, helping out with the festival, giving my bit back to the community, and having proper time off to enjoy the festival itself too!

Having gone as a volunteer now, I don’t think I could ever go as a regular punter, the facilities we get - separate camping, showers, toilets and cheaper food make it more than worth it. Not to mention the absolute community that we formed. I have no doubt made friends for life.

I cannot tell you how tempted I am to spend a grand on flights just to come back to volunteer again next year!

Clare Reading Festival – 2012 (MA English Literary Studies Student, Durham University)

Handing out the free beer and baps at Reading Festival 2012 was not only rewarding but incredibly enjoyable. Finishing the shifts in time for the big acts balanced the enjoyment of meeting new like-minded people with being the festival goers' favourite people. Free beer for them, and hugs for us!

Cleavon Leeds Festival – 2015

I just want to say I had a fantastic time volunteering. This was my first time volunteering and my first time at Leeds festival. I will definitely volunteer again. I'd like to say a big well done to everyone who made this experience fantastic. I enjoyed it so much that I'm now considering a potential career change. Thanks again.

Craig Download Festival – 2017

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to volunteer at Download! I had a great time, saw some great bands & made some amazing friends! 

Craig Williams & Emma Roberts Leeds Festival – 2008 (Aberystwyth University, North Wales)

We highly recommend the CAT experience! We both worked at Leeds Festival in 2008 and had an amazing time, the fact that you get free entry into the festival and get to meet new people, other CATs and public alike, meant it was an offer we couldn't turn down. The team we worked with was from all over the UK and we all got on really well. The management staff Jo, Steph and Adam are really friendly and will try to arrange your shifts around what bands you want to see too, meaning we got to see the Killers last year!!!

If we have the opportunity to, we would not turn down the chance at such a fantastic experience again!

Daniel Latitude Festival – 2022

2022 was my first Latitude and it exceeded my expectations. The site is beautiful, the arena is vibrant, there's a party atmosphere yet it's safe and family friendly and most importantly there's always a warm welcome as a Hotbox volunteer or staff member! I met new friends and caught up with old ones from other festivals. We even got to go to the beach on Wednesday before the festival started!

Daniel Camp Bestival Shropshire – 2022

Camp Bestival Shropshire is a brilliant, vibrant and rewarding festival to work or volunteer at. The attendees and their families are so friendly and appreciative of any help and support the Hotbox team give them. We are camped so close to the arena too and the line-up is exceedingly good for a festival of this size. I would recommend Camp Bestival to Hotbox team members of all ages!

Daniel Leeds Festival – 2019

Leeds 2019 was my first time working for Hotbox, my first Leeds Festival and first time ever attending a festival of this size. I was apprehensive before we started but I need not have worried. The crew campsite was secure, spacious and sociable whilst the Hotbox managers and supervisors were some of the friendliest, most encouraging and supportive people I've ever worked with. I left the festival having made maybe 50 new friends, learnt a variety of new skills and most of all with an insatiable thirst to do it all again! I can't wait for 2020 Festival season, thank you everyone! 

Daniel Reading Festival – 2018

Working for Hotbox has absolutely been an amazing experience and I'm definitely going to be signing up next year to not only do Reading, but also Latitude and Download! The staff were great and exceptionally helpful, and everyone I spoke to was in such a great mood. The shifts were also extremely exciting and helped to drown out the cold and wet weather at times!

One of the best points I would like to see again next year is the ladies who catered for the Hotbox camp. Their food was incredible, the ladies were so cheery and amazing to talk to and they knew how to brighten up anyone's day just by talking to them! They helped make an already amazing experience into an even better one!

Props to you all for coordinating and setting everything up on your end!

Daniel Leeds Festival – 2008 (Lifeguard for Flintshire County Council North Wales)

I had never even been to a festival or even a live music event until 2008 when I first worked a volunteer with CATs at Leeds, I was really apprehensive at first but the staff and other volunteers were so friendly I felt at ease and had made friends within the first hour of setting up my tent, I found helping the public was really rewarding and I am really looking forward to coming to Leeds again and also Latitude for the first time in 2009

Daniel & Jo Latitude Festival – 2009 (Self Employed Joiner)

I've worked for Hotbox for 3 years now, first one was in 2007 and was nervous as didn't know what to expect, but after that I have been hooked. It's just an amazing atmosphere, get to meet and interact with such a varied bunch of great people in the campsites. I would definitely recommend it to people who want a different view of the festival experience. I wouldn't go back to been a normal camper now.

The best thing this year was my team and I met an amazing person and things are going well, thank you Hotbox, you bring people together. I will be back for 2010! I want it to be now!

Dannie Latitude Festival – 2018

I just wanted to say what an amazing time I had volunteering with you at Latitude. Everyone was lovely and approachable and the shifts were some of my favourite parts. Helping customers was an utter delight.
A very pleasant experience. I look forward to volunteering again next year.

Dave Leeds Festival – 2021

I just wanted to email to say thank you for an amazing time at Leeds Festival.

I volunteered to get the free ticket, not realising that volunteering would also add so much more to the experience. Please pass my thanks onto the Blue Camp supervisors for looking after me, and give them my apologies as they are likely to have to put up with me again next year!

Deborah Latitude Festival – 2022

I had a great time at this fantastic festival. I met up with many previous festival folk and worked with some lovely new ones. All the pixie supervisors were wonderful and made 3 good shifts. I love the new idea of not having to return to the camp after your shift, it saved a lot of energy which meant I was able to enjoy more of the festival which was greatly appreciated. Please continue with this! Can't wait to join you again, either at Leeds or hopefully Download next year!

Don Leeds Festival – 2015

My first festival as a volunteer. I was a CAT. I had a great time. All the Hotbox staff I met were really friendly, efficient, open and positive. The organisation of what must be a very difficult operation was first class. This professionalism gave me the confidence to learn and deliver my duties confidently and with joy. Thanks for the experience.

Don Latitude Festival – 2015

Thanks again for organising things so well for us volunteers at Latitude. I volunteer for a number of festivals but love the way Hotbox gives you a choice of shifts and a transparent, fair way of allocating them. This is why I will be returning next year.

Donald Leeds Festival – 2015

I attended Leeds festival 2015. I found the experience so tremendous. You cannot image the excitement you are about to receive. One minute you are standing in empty fields and suddenly you are just overwhelmed with people coming through, with wonderful smiles on their faces while we helped them with their luggage. The staff were wonderful, they couldn't do any more for us than they did. The other volunteers were also amazing people. My shifts always put a wonderful smile on my face. I was expecting my night-shift to be very boring, but I found it very exciting and it was my best shift! See you all in 2016!

Doreen Camp Bestival Dorset – 2022

I had a great time stewarding at Camp Bestival Dorset and have made some new friends. It made me realise just how important this role is when members of the public need our help. I hope to help again next year!

Duncan Latitude Festival – 2021

Firstly, I’d just like to say what a great time I had volunteering at Latitude. I met some great people, enjoyed working as part of the volunteer team, with the bonus of the festival on top. The volunteering process was very well organised, the pre-festival application process and information was very good. The shift supervisors were great - big shout out to Yvonne, Hannah & Paul all of whom were terrific. I was flying solo but had no problem in getting to meet others. We had quite a little crew going looking after the Family Camping – it was really good fun. Arrival and getting sorted once on site was straightforward as well, all well organised. It was a really good experience and I hope to be back next year.

Edd Latitude Festival – 2012 (Economics Student, University of East Anglia)

I had an amazing time working with Hotbox this year! I worked at Latitude Festival as a pixie in the woods, I went on my own but met so many awesome people over the weekend, I loved every second helping the general public during the day and seeing incredible bands at night! I really can't wait to do it all again next year but hopefully this time as a supervisor!

Elisabeth Latitude Festival – 2019

I just wanted to say a massive thanks for a great introduction to festival volunteering, from the minute I arrived I was made to feel welcome.

I had the perfect shifts, mainly because I paid my deposit the minute it went live, but everyone was really accommodating and I could see the negotiations of other volunteers. I felt safe and secure the whole time.

I'll definitely be recommending people to this, especially my friends who have kids or family members that are just turning 18, as it's a safe, fun way to enjoy the festival, meet some people, gain some new skills and have responsibility. Fantastic concept. Love what you do. Keep doing it!

You've even reinforced the idea that I may need a career change into event management!

Emily Reading Festival – 2019

I had the most amazing experience volunteering with you for the first time at Reading Festival. Every volunteer and member of your staff was extremely lovely and helpful. And I was so grateful to have such an amazing opportunity that allowed me to see some of my favourite bands too! The staff campsite was lovely and quiet which was great to come back to after a busy shift/evening watching the acts!

Thank you so much for this great opportunity! Can't wait to volunteer again soon!

Emily Leeds Festival – 2018

Leeds festival 2018 was my first ever music festival and I am so glad I volunteered. Though originally a little apprehensive, I quickly made friends with the fellow CAT's. Spending 8 hours with someone means you form a really close bond. My supervisors were informative and energetic - a big thank you to Lucy on night shift in red camp and Emelia on the morning shift in blue camp.

The experience enlightened me to a wider variety of music and event and people management. I would love to volunteer at Leeds festival next year and my experience has inspired me to work at a different festival too.

Thank you again for such a fantastic week and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Emily Reading Festival – 2016

Volunteering at reading festival with my best friend was a real highlight of my summer 2016. We had an amazing time and met some really lovely people.

The whole team were so friendly and we got on with everyone.

I would recommend it to anyone - it was a brilliant experience!

Emma Latitude Festival – 2019

I really enjoyed volunteering, the shifts worked for me and the role suited me. I loved meeting both other volunteers and the public attending the festival.

The application process was smooth and easily navigated. The information provided was clear and easy to follow. The pre-event email communication was excellent.

The first briefing was well planned and executed with the right balance of detail and information.

Thanks for the opportunity to volunteer at Latitude, I would love to stay involved and to volunteer again with you.

Evangeline Leeds Festival – 2019

This was my first ever festival and with having special needs it was very overwhelming but the staff were absolutely amazing and welcomed my "quirky" personality with open arms! I'm glad I got to experience the festival with Hotbox, it felt amazing to feel like I was helping people! 

Evie Reading Festival – 2013 (Law Undergraduate, University of Cambridge)

Volunteering as CAT at Reading 2013 enhanced my experience of the festival greatly. The shifts not only went quickly, but ended up being the highlight of mine and my friends' time at the festival. Giving assistance, be it helping people carry heavy stuff, pointing them in the right direction, or as we found, tracking various stolen gazebos, was fun and rewarding. The festival-goers we chatted to along the way made it so. Staff facilities were undoubtedly a perk too! I hope to volunteer next summer, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to add a unique and memorable other dimension to their festival experience!

Fiona Download Festival – 2019

Thank you for a great Download experience, I had about 10 hours sleep over the 5 days and came away exhausted with sore feet but it was all so worth it and I'll be back to do it all again next year! 

Gareth Reading Festival – 2012 (Musical Director, Teacher and Broadcaster)

Reading 2012 was my first ever festival, both in attendance and volunteering and I really enjoyed it, it was a great experience. There was never a dull moment, whether it was helping arrivals to their campsite and putting up tents, while trying to avoid them blowing away! Or doing the graveyard shift; making sure all the campers were happy and using my training I had gained previously as a student welfare volunteer. The atmosphere was both friendly and electric. The Hotbox staff were always kind and accommodating and were there when you needed them. And it was FUN! I would definitely do Reading Festival next year!

Gareth Leeds Festival – 2008 (Fitness Instructor, Chester University)

Working the festivals is the highlight of my summer and this is helped due to CATs. Having experienced both sides of festival life CATs offers more opportunities to meet people, see the festival and have fun doing it. The people in charge of CATs do a great job and are fully supportive, and over the last 5 years I have grown to know them very well and now class them all as very good mates. Viva la CAT's......bring on 2009 (Leeds baby, whoop)

Garhing Reading Festival – 2010

I would just like to say I had a fantastic time down at Reading Festival and it wouldn't be the same without how friendly and awesome the Hotbox team was, and how fun it was to camp with some great people. Doing Voluntary work has been well worth my time, as it is a completely different experience to the festival itself (in a good way) as you have great shifts, decent toilets, food, access to hot showers and the location of the camp was great for getting around the festival itself. I will recommend to anyone out there who hasn't considered voluntary work and I will volunteer again in the near future.

Gary Reading Festival – 2016

I would like to thank you for helping me have a fantastic festival this year. I have been to many festivals but this was the first as a volunteer. This was by far my best experience of all festivals. The communication from start to finish has been first class, I will definitely be back as a volunteer with Hotbox next year.

Gemma Camp Bestival Shropshire – 2022

My first time volunteering with Hotbox at Camp Bestival Shropshire and I loved it. I got to step out of my comfort zone and do something I’ve wanted to do for a while and as it was local to me it seemed like a good place to start. I met some great people and loved feeling part of the working festival. Looking forward to trying out some other festivals next year!

George Download Festival – 2019

Working for Hotbox at Download 2019 was my third time at the festival but my first time volunteering; and what a weekend!

The opportunity to go to Download for free when I wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford a ticket cannot be underestimated. It was made even better by being surrounded by such wonderful metalheads on shift and in the communal areas. Everything was organised incredibly well, especially given the tricky weather. I enjoyed my shifts more than I expected, got to see all the bands I wanted, and enjoyed way too many cheap burgers from the staff meal van!

I cannot recommend volunteering with Hotbox at Download enough. Rest assured I'll be back next year!

Georgina Camp Bestival Dorset – 2022

Volunteering at Camp Bestival was the best experience. I am 100% coming back each year to volunteer again! It was my first time volunteering with Hotbox and I decided to do it on my own. All the volunteers and staff were so friendly and helpful. I kept saying over the weekend how I was loving the fact that people kept offering me food! Whilst I arrived at the festival on my own, I didn't feel on my own at all for the whole festival. A group of us quickly made friends and we are now all heading to Reading together with Hotbox, and have a trip to London planned. Overall I got to see all the artists that I wanted to, made many friends and had fun at the same time! Catch you at Reading!

Hana Download Festival – 2019

Thank you very much for all your support and hard work. It was my first festival in the UK and I must say the best time of my life. I have met such amazing people and you looked after us soooo well.

I will never forget it. It's like first sex, if it's great you just happen to love it and do it constantly ;-)

Harriet Leeds Festival – 2014

Having already been to Leeds Festival twice in previous years, I can honestly say that this year volunteering with Hotbox Events was my favourite experience of the festival. We met so many great people and we were able to see every band that we had wanted to see - whilst also helping others and ensuring the festival ran smoothly!

Harry Download Festival – 2017

I would like to thank Hotbox for having me as a volunteer again, after doing Download 2017 I was eager to sign up for more festivals and am looking forward to Leeds in August.

One of the best things about the staff at Hotbox Events is how patient and kind they are to the volunteers, especially when using the radio and dealing with things that may be out of the volunteer's depth at first.

I would like to thank Hotbox for having me again and I look forward to working with Hotbox at Leeds.

Helen Reading Festival – 2014 (Business Analyst / Project Manager)

As a first time volunteer (at Reading 2014) - I was a bit apprehensive going by myself but soon made friends as everyones in the same boat. Enjoyed the luxuries of staff camping like hot showers and tea! It was a great way of experiencing the festival from behind the scenes and meeting new people.

Helena Reading Festival – 2009 (Student)

I loved working as a CAT at Reading Festival 2009! I'd already been to Reading festival the year before, but this was the first time that I worked. The shifts that I worked meant that I was able to see most of the bands that I wanted to. The staff toilets, showers and campsites were fantastic too! I met some great people, (staff and campers) and even though my shifts were rainy and cold, I would recommend it!

Hellana Leeds Festival – 2013 (Music Student, Leeds University)

I felt the general running of the company was fantastic. The briefing was to the point and extremely helpful, and all the staff I worked with (Hotbox or not) were brilliant. Hope to see you in 2014!

Hollie Leeds Festival – 2014 (Journalism Student, University of Salford)

I had such a fantastic week and loved seeing the festival from behind the scenes. I made friends with fellow volunteers and will definitely be keeping in touch with all of them. The shifts were entertaining and passed by in a flash. Staff camping and arena access were an added bonus! I'm already counting down to August 2015 and I'd definitely recommend volunteering as opposed to just going to the festival. It's social, fun and free! Thanks Hotbox!

Holly and Hannah Leeds Festival – 2013

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to work Leeds Festival 2013! It was an amazing experience and we can't wait to return next year to be CATs again. We made some amazing friends, saw all the bands that we wanted to see and had so much fun, even on shift! Thanks again, see you next year!

Isobel Reading Festival – 2018

All the other volunteers were hugely friendly and up for a laugh. Making friends in the staff campsite was one of the best parts of the whole thing - everyone is lovely and like minded.
The shift managers were also lovely and always looked like they were doing their best despite whatever the festival tried to throw at them, shift patterns were all reasonable and fairly worked out.
Working in the safe mates tent in particular was rewarding because we could have more direct interaction with festival goers.

Jack Reading Festival – 2018

I’d just like to say it was my first time with Hotbox and going to such a big festival and I had my doubts going alone but it was such an awesome week. I had so much fun and just like to thank you all for making it possible and hope to see many more next year.

Jackie Reading Festival – 2022

I had a great time, as always, working with Hotbox. I loved not having to trek back to the staff campsite to return my tabard, it saved a lot of time. Great new idea! Must give a plaudit to my supervisor Sam, he made sure we all got breaks, was on the ball and a really good bloke. Look forward to working with you all again next year!

Jackie Latitude Festival – 2019

Firstly I want to say that I had the best of times working with you again this year.
I would like to add that one of my supervisors Tom was great in terms of him giving us all really good relevant knowledge of the names of the roads and area we needed to cover and he treated us all with courtesy, knowing it was hot and letting us have breaks to get out of the sun. He thanked us all after a busy shift which we all agreed made us feel valued.
Thanks again for a great time at Latitude and I'm looking forward to seeing some of you at Reading in a few weeks.

Jacqueline Latitude Festival – 2021

We had a great time volunteering again, it felt amazing to be around so many people again having a magical time, we are definitely up for next year! Thank you for the opportunity and see you next year!

James Leeds Festival – 2014 (Electrician)

I'd like to say that volunteering at Leeds Festival is amazing and you get the best of both worlds. On shift you get to meet amazing people and have fun in the campsites with fellow campers and volunteers! Off shift you can have more fun and enjoy the brilliant music. This was my first festival as a volunteer and I'm definitely going to do it again!

Jason Download Festival – 2017

Volunteering at Download with Hotbox was undoubtedly and simply one of the best weeks of my life.
As this was my first festival volunteering experience, the benefits exceeded my expectations. The showers were surprisingly decent, the main Hotbox tent was fantastic for socialising in addition to the plug sockets, and the free tea/coffee was the cherry on top! Knowing that I can volunteer again, I can safely say that I do not plan on buying a normal audience ticket for these festivals ever again.
Of course, it goes without saying that the people were awesome. I was fortunate enough to be going with a friend of mine and together we made new friends who stuck from our very first shift on day 1 together!

Jenny Reading Festival – 2019

I had a fantastic time with my best friend working on the fire towers at Reading Festival. I enjoyed working as part of a team to help manage the safety and welfare of the customers and I would recommend Hotbox to anyone!

It was also great to be able to enjoy so much of the music whilst learning valuable skills and helping the festival to run at the same time!

Jeremy Reading Festival – 2022

Thanks to the Hotbox team at Reading 2022! I thought you were very organised and well prepared for the volunteers. I volunteered on the fire tower and worked in a couple of different campsites. The shifts varied from an empty field in the first few hours prior to the festival opening to helping with small issues in the campsite in the first minute of opening! The other volunteers were very friendly and everyone was happy to talk and work their shifts. It was definitely worth doing for a number of reasons - attending the festival, meeting people, trying something new, volunteering for your CV, etc. Plus the staff boat along the Thames was a real bonus! I look forward to volunteering again next year!

Jeremy Download Festival – 2019

Thanks for a great opportunity at Download. I had a great time and really enjoyed working with a great bunch of Hotbox staff and other volunteers.

Jessica Download Festival – 2018

Just wanted to say thanks for an amazing week with you guys. It was a fantastic experience and one I will remember. I'm a regular at download, and it felt like a luxury being on site with Hotbox. The showers and phone charging facilities were a god send! Catering was really good, and tastier than some of the food I paid double the amount for in the village! All of the management/supervisor staff were very friendly, approachable and down to earth.
Kudos to Tom he was lovely, and very understanding when it started to get really hot, allowing extra sit downs in the shade to cool off. He was very supportive to staff and the public, it was a pleasure to work with him.
Again a huge thanks for letting me join the team. I already can't wait to sign up for next year's Download!

Jessica Reading Festival – 2016

Had such an amazing time being a CAT at Reading Fest 2016. The shifts were great and took up very little time of the festival so I got see nearly every band I wanted. I'm already trying to get some more friends to come with me next year, and hoping to meet some more great people! It's also pretty cool when people asked what I did with my Summer and I can say I volunteered at Reading Fest!

Jessica Leeds Festival – 2015

I've worked with hotbox events being a CAT for the last 3 years and had some amazing experiences. I've worked at Reading festival 2013 & 2015 and Leeds 2014. All 3 have been amazing because of you and I've made some good friends.

Jessica Latitude Festival – 2010 (Student, St Albans)

I had a brilliant weekend at Latitude 2010! I went with two friends but met lots of lovely new people. I got to see lots of bands and comedians and the shifts were enjoyable, with campers being so friendly when they realise your job is to help them. I'd really recommend it, as I wouldn't have ever thought about going to Latitude before I learned about it through the Hotbox Events CAT and HAT scheme :)

Jiayi Reading Festival – 2016

Being a CAT at both V and Reading festivals I could not imagine how it would be at first since everything was new for me. Thanks to the lady who helped me build my first tent! Thanks to those guys who invited me to join their group. And last, a big big thank you to your staff team who are really nice and friendly and gave me such an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!

Jo Latitude Festival – 2022

I had a great experience volunteering with Hotbox for the first time and I am planning to do it all again next year. I found the supervisors/managers helpful, friendly and supportive and I also bonded with the other volunteers and have said we would like to meet up again next year. Thank you all :)

Jo Leeds Festival – 2009 (Student, Liverpool)

I've been working as a CAT at Leeds Festival since 2007 and it just gets better every time! Each year my friends ask me to be a regular festival goer with them but CATing is just too good to turn down, especially with the better facilities, and all for free! You also get to work with some awesome people and get to know them really well after spending so much time with them both at work and back at the staff campsite and maybe even going to see some of the amazing bands with them. I can't wait to see all the old CATs again in 2010 and maybe even meet some new kittens!

Joanna and Stuart Download Festival – 2022

Well what a week that was! From going from the Scottish Highlands on holiday where there were no people, to 80,000 at Download!!! This was my first time volunteering, usually being a Download ticket holder, and my husband came for the first time at all. We are 49 & 50 so weren’t too sure what to expect to be honest, but from the day one briefing we met a like minded person about the same age and that was it! We didn’t camp as we only live 20 minutes away and have pets to feed, and think this may have stopped us getting to know more people than if we had camped, however everyone we saw did say hi which was nice!

The role itself was fun and we met some great festival goers who we saw over and over again by working on the campervan site for each shift which was nice. Both supervisors, Greg and Rob were great and realised pretty quickly that we had common sense and could just get on with things. We also worked alongside another married couple of a similar age which was really great and we will be staying in touch with them.

All being well we'll see you again next year!!

Jonathan Leeds Festival – 2022

I had the most amazing weekend and loved every single moment of it! The work split up the partying and watching bands nicely and we had enough time to rest or watch bands in between shifts. It was an eye opener into how much work goes on behind the scenes at a festival. All the Hotbox volunteers, camp supervisors and camp managers I worked with were great and really put a lot of time and effort into helping and making sure the public were safe and happy. I would love to come back next year, but don’t think its going to be possible as my sister has just booked her wedding for that weekend!! I would recommend anyone to work with Hotbox at a festival and hopefully I will get the chance another year.

Jonathon Reading Festival – 2013 (Graphic Design and Advertising Student, University of Bedfordshire)

I'd like to thank my fellow CATs who volunteered at Reading Festival 2013 for making me feel so welcome. As it was my first time volunteering for Hotbox, I was welcomed by friendly people throughout the week. The generosity of all the Hotbox staff and volunteers encourages me to reapply next year. I thoroughly enjoyed my week as a CAT; meeting ambitious individuals and engaging with the Reading Festival audience. Thank you to everyone involved with Hotbox Events. See you next year!

Jonny Download, Latitude and Leeds Festivals – 2018

This was my first year at Hotbox, volunteering at Download, Latitude and Leeds and it has been the best year I’ve had in a while. I have met so many awesome people, as well as my girlfriend. I wouldn’t have developed such great friendships, if it wasn’t for Hotbox. Thank you so much for giving me an amazing experience. I will see you all next year. 

Jude Leeds Festival – 2008 (Project Coordinator for NHS Yorkshire and Humber)

Leeds 2008 was my first festival and being a CAT made it really special, I loved having access to the behind the scenes places and getting to meet loads of people. I think I also improved my arm muscles!

Julie Download Festival – 2022

Thanks for the opportunity to work for Hotbox at Download Festival, it was my first time volunteering and as a solo volunteer.  All the volunteers were friendly and it was good to meet so many different people and share experiences and conversations. All the team leaders were professional, helpful, approachable, friendly and supportive and a credit to the Hotbox team!

Karen, Ange, Jackie & Susanna Latitude Festival – 2017

We had a great Latitude yet again. We enjoyed our time in Performers and the main campsite. Also, there is such a friendly cooperative atmosphere in the Hotbox compound. We got to know people in security and traffic as well so it made us feel part of the wider Latitude community.

Thanks for everything. Hope to see you next year.

Karen, Ange, Jackie, Susanna

Kat Latitude Festival – 2015 (English Literature Student)

My experience at Latitude definitely has got me hooked on the festival atmosphere, everyone was incredibly friendly and having a place to charge your phone and make a cup of tea whenever you fancied was a definite luxury! I managed to see some of my all time favourite artists. Would definitely do it again, as a student its fantastic: a free festival in exchange for meeting new people! 

Kate Latitude Festival – 2018

Thank you to everyone at Hotbox for this weekend! It's obvious that all of the staff and supervisors put a lot of effort into making sure than the volunteers enjoy the weekend as much as possible, and it really makes a difference! It was a great way to enjoy the festival on a budget, and at the same time give something back and gain useful experience. 

Katie Leeds Festival – 2012

Just want to say thank you for a brilliant time at Leeds Festival 2012 volunteering with Hotbox Events. Working on the Beer and Baps was great fun and all volunteers and staff were so friendly - this was a big help as I was volunteering by myself. I was chatting with the Hotbox staff within five minutes of arriving, they helped with my tent - obviously previous CATs with great pitching skills so thank you! Cannot wait for the 2013 festival applications to open!

Katwamba Reading Festival – 2022

From the handbooks to arriving pre-briefing and getting our wristbands, to helping with setting up tents and providing support and morale, I was impressed with how organised and helpful the staff were. Shout out to supervisors Jon and Kat who really made our shifts smooth and made sure we felt okay and had everything we needed. I really loved the tea and snack breaks offered throughout the shift, it boosted morale, helped us get through the shift with ease and felt like there was more being offered to the volunteering experience.

Kerry Leeds Festival – 2012 (Fashion and Textile Management Student, Nottingham Trent University)

I worked as a CAT at Leeds Festival 2012 and it was of the best decisions I have ever made! Recommended highly by my friends who volunteered the year before. I was extremely nervous to join them this year as I'd never volunteered at a festival. Within hours we got chatting to a group camped next to us and immediately hit it off with some amazing people making our shifts extremely memorable. Working the festival and chatting to festival goers in white camp also gave me a massive confidence boost and I met some incredible people who I am still in touch with. I got to see my favourite bands for free, rave on a muddy slope with a group of mental festival goers, took a liking to Lambrini and lost my voice singing and jumping around in the crowds! Genuinely cannot wait for next year!

Kerry Leeds Festival – 2009 (Lifeguard and Student, Wales)

First time at Leeds as a CAT this year, recommended to me very highly by my boyfriend. Can't say anything else than 'Brilliant'. I can't believe that we actually got to see so many bands and enjoyed plenty of time off to relax and chill out by our campfire at night and then to get the deposit back as well!! It was great helping out the members of public and the management team and everyone else were lovely. I also loved the fact we had secure crew camping away from the public sites, I will be recommending this to all my college friends for next year. Leeds CATS 2010! Can't wait xx

Kevin Leeds Festival – 2021

Thanks for having us this year. It was even better than 2019! Overall the management and support was incredible and should be applauded, it was a great experience with positivity and smiles all around from the Hotbox teams. This was Kez’s first festival experience at 45 years old and was truly memorable due to the Hotbox organisation and support - so thank you and we are looking forward to Leeds 2022!

Kevin V Festival – 2017

All in all had a fab weekend volunteering at V Fest for the first time last weekend. Rocked up solo not really sure what to expect. All the other volunteers were nice, laid back and welcoming for a chat with many others also volunteering solo! This relieved initial nerves and I then began to look forward to the eventful festival weekend to come!!

Pleasantly surprised about the staff camping welfare; Hotbox having there owned fenced off staff area from the rest of the festival staff made it less overwhelming and made it feel a bit more homely.

Appreciated the marquee in the morning to sit and have breakfast; made it feel more civilised rather than the typical rugged festival camping life. The free tea, coffee and hot chocolate was appreciated;

An excellent festival weekend of music, made some lovely new friends for the weekend and I would 100% do it again!

Thanks again hotbox events team for a brilliant weekend!

Krizand Leeds Festival – 2017

Working at Leeds Festival was a wonderful experience! The facilities provided to staff was amazing throughout the week. The campsite was brilliant, everyone respected each other and kept noise levels to a minimum. The crew in charge of the volunteers were always so friendly and helpful, which was wonderful.
I'd like to thank Hotbox for everything and I definitely want to come back and volunteer with them again.

Lara Reading Festival – 2012

I was a CAT at Reading 2012. I got the opportunity to meet new people from both Hotbox Events and from talking with festival goers while on shift and this was great. The staff campsite felt safe and secure with plenty of decent facilities and this was really great as I wasn't worrying so much about my tent and its contents while on shift. It was also great to get free staff parking - and I knew the parking would be secure because I knew there were CATs working there. The staff were really friendly and helpful too. It was definitely worth getting to enter the arena through staff entrances and to see all those amazing bands for free.

Lewis Download Festival – 2017

I've had a wonderful week working with Hotbox Events, definitetly going on the list for next year, I've met some brilliant people! Thank you for having me on the Dog Squad and I hopefully will see you next year !

Lewis Leeds Festival – 2017

My week volunteering for Hotbox Events at Leeds Festival 2017 has been an amazing experience and I am truly grateful to be able to gain the experience working at Leeds Festival through Hotbox Events. I enjoyed working as a Tower Cat you get some amazing views of the campsites and you are the 'eagles eyes' of the festival looking out for hazards. I would love to be able to volunteer again next year at Leeds Festival through Hotbox Events.

I really appreciate the experience gained working at Leeds Festival 2017. I am thankful that I got the chance to see some amazing artists. I couldn't recommend it enough for any one considering volunteering for Hotbox Events at Leeds Festival.

Lingxin Download Festival – 2017

I really enjoyed working with you and meeting all the other volunteers. It provided a great opportunity to meet new friends and to get out of my normal day-to-day life. I'm really delighted that we had our own camp site which was spotless, had normal toilets and even showers without queues! The marquee provided a wonderful common room and shelter from the rain. I found the shifts were very well organised and the fact that we could choose our preferences in advance ensures that we had enough free time to watch our favourite bands. So all in all, I really enjoyed working with you and even more, the fantastic festival. I cannot thank you enough for providing this unique opportunity! If I am still in the UK next year, I would definitely join you again for Download.

Lizzie Leeds Festival – 2015

I had an amazing time volunteering at Leeds festival this year. You still get to see (most of) the music but for free and in a nicer campsite! 

Lori-Ann Camp Bestival Dorset – 2021

Thanks so much for the experience, everybody was really nice! It was a pleasure to work with you guys!

Lucy Leeds Festival – 2013

I really enjoyed being a CAT at the 2013 Leeds festival! I met so many funny, crazy and amazing people, volunteers and festival goers! The shifts were really evenly spread so I was still able to enjoy the festival with my friends and see the bands! It was a great way to experience the festival from another view and I will definitely be doing it again!

Mae Latitude Festival – 2015

Volunteering at Latitude 2015 was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The shift schedule meant that we could see a lot of great acts, plus the staff showers, water points and camping ground were very convenient!
I went with my flatmate and we formed a close group with about 10 other volunteers who we called our "Festival Fam". It was 5 days of non-stop laughing, dancing, singing, embarrassing-story-telling (and a little bit of drinking). The time flew and though we were sad to leave each other we were very much ready to go home and sleep in our beds haha.
We've kept in touch and since and have made a pact to reunite the Festival Fam for Latitude 2016.
Thanks to Hotbox for this opportunity. Highly recommend.

Major D A O’Connor MBE MInst RE Download Festival – 2022

I wanted to send you a quick note to express how amazing your staff were this weekend whilst I volunteered at Download. I have served in the British Army for over three decades and have most likely seen and experienced every kind of leader and supervisor; from toxic through to inspiring, and I honestly believe you have assembled a special set of individuals. They absolutely ensured festival customers were supported as much as possible and also made volunteering a fantastic experience; I suspect that is not far off your companies mission statement.

I clearly do not know everyone who was working for Hotbox during the event but I have nothing but positive things to say about the staff even if I only saw them and did not interact with. I would however like to make you aware of the fantastic performance by some individuals I noted though personal interactions.

Shift Supervisors: I had the pleasure to work with Connor, Sarah and Sam. As someone that has spent a considerable part of his working life ensuring every one understands the mission whilst ensuring the workforce is also looked after, I was very impressed with the enthusiasm and energy the supervisors displayed and the performance each delivered. The constant monitoring of their workforces welfare and total professionalism throughout was fantastic. I would like to highlight how amazingly well, Sarah managed a diverse crew of volunteers and also a complicated welfare/medical situation during our shift. Her entire performance was ‘second to none’. She really felt like a leader and everyone believed in her and her actions.

I hope you can in some way let them know their efforts were appreciated, both in delivering excellent enabling activity and really solid performances as supervisors. I would recommend Hotbox to young or old, male or female, either as a single person or a group as your staff just make the experience work.

Malcolm Latitude Festival – 2022

What a fantastic time I had at Latitude this year - some of the highlights were:

- Being a Pixie in the woods - especially the 9pm - 3am shift, where the woods and lake area 'come alive'!
- Making so many friends within the Hotbox crew area and from the different teams - this makes the shifts and work so, so much easier!
- Knowing I would be treated absolutely fairly by the leaders of Hotbox and that there was always a sense of reason alongside a sense of humour!

And, of course, Latitude Festival highlights, including; Swimming in the Lake, the completely no holding back Frankie Boyle, wild times at Gimme, Gimme, Gimme Abba After Midnight and great music from the likes of Freya Ridings!!

Hotbox at Latitude is just one BIG experience and one I hope to do again next year!

Malcolm Latitude Festival – 2021

I had a great time at Latitude (up the fire towers and helping out with looking after the Family Camping areas). Teamwork was, of course, what kept us all strong as a group, so a BIG THANK YOU to the Hotbox people and all the lovely staff that I worked with! Having a separate camping area was a big plus, as was crew toilets and catering along with the marquee that we could meet in for a chat along with tea and coffee. I will definitely consider working with you again (always did fancy myself as a Pixie in the woods!).

Maria Latitude Festival – 2021

It was soooo good to be back at a festival. I met some lovely people and have some really lovely memories. Looking forward to my next festival already!

Marilyn Latitude Festival – 2008 (ACLIP - Collection Develoment - Adsetts Centre, Sheffield Hallam University)

Latitude 2008 was my first ever festival and first ever CAT post. My sister, who has CATTED at Leeds and was also applying for Latitude, encouraged me to apply. Having our own special area within the staff campsite, with its own canteen, toilets and warm showers was good. Plus we were only a few minutes' walk from the staff car park too. I was very much out of my comfort zone to begin with, but my friendly fellow CATTERS, supervisors and team leaders made it all worthwhile and I am looking forward to being part of Latitude 2009

Mark Download Festival – 2018

I had an amazing experience volunteering for the first time at a festival and I met some great people.

Cant wait until next year to volunteer for Download.

Mary Leeds Festival – 2012

I had great fun volunteering at Leeds Festival 2012, I don't see why anyone would festival any other way! You get to see all sides of the festival without people tramping over your tent in the middle of the night. We'll be back next year!

Matthew Leeds Festival – 2013

Been doing this for the past 5 years and even with the rain and the mud and more rain and more mud 2013 has been the best Hotbox yet!

Partly because we met such nice people!

Keep up the good work!

Mel Reading Festival – 2018

My friend and I had best time volunteering with Hotbox, Reading fest was insane and we still can't shake off the blues!
We'd 100% do it again, hopefully with better weather next time lol!

Melanie Latitude Festival – 2021

I just wanted to tell you ‘Well Done’! It was my first time volunteering at a festival and everything, from the sign-up stage to me taking down my tent on Monday morning, went very smoothly and was well organised. I was really surprised when I was greeted and recognised by Emelia on Wednesday upon my arrival on site. I had been in touch with her beforehand with regards to my right to work status and I was well impressed that she had recognised me! It made me feel very welcome and well looked after! All three supervisors appointed (Rob, Craig and Richard) were really nice and did a great looking after us! Thank you again for the volunteering opportunity and I am looking forward to Reading Festival! P.S. Photo of a happy volunteer at the end of Shift 3 (Night Shift) attached :)

Michael Download Festival – 2018

Not only was this year my first experience of Download Festival, it was my first time volunteering at a festival as well! What can I say, I loved it! Not only was the festival itself great fun, with such a good line up, but I really enjoyed being able to help the public; whether with information and directions or helping those in need. Needless to say I’ll definitely be joining the Hotbox team again next year, and I’m very excited to join the crew for Reading!

Thanks for a great weekend!

Michael Leeds Festival – 2015

My second year working with Hotbox has surpassed all I could have wished for I did both Latitude and Leeds and it has been amazing the staff are excellent and can't do enough for you both on shift and off, they do care about your welfare and also understand your there to have a good time for anyone who is unsure about volunteering don't worry, you meet more people volunteering than you would as a punter and you have a great time give it a go you will not buy a ticket again! I for one can't wait for 2016 see you at Latitude. Thanks Hotbox!

Michael Leeds Festival – 2014

Working as a CAT at Leeds 2014 has been totally amazing having been to lots of festivals this was my first time volunteering and I've had the time of my life. The set up is spot on and the Hotbox family, yes it is a family, welcome you to join them. You make so many friends, I was on my own but within an hour all that was forgotten and a great time on and off shift was had. You feel safe and nothing is too much for the Hotbox staff the other staff on site you gett respect and you gain so much confidence from the experience its really amazing. I for one can't wait for 2015 I have found my festival family!!!  

Michelle Latitude Festival – 2022

I'd like to say thank you for a fantastic experience as a volunteer with Hotbox at Latitude, I was a solo first timer and have made some incredible friends, had a brilliant time watching the live music and fully intend on coming back for 2023!

Michelle Leeds Festival – 2021

It was my first solo volunteering event with Hotbox at Leeds Festival and I was worried going on my own having never volunteering with Hotbox before at a festival and knowing the young age of other volunteers and attendees when I'm in my late 50's. Once my tent was up and the briefing attended I was ready to go!

The days flew by and I met loads of lovely new people. The shift supervisors were awesome and really supported me when I was unsure of anything, I had such a laugh with so many people and had a brilliant time. Thank you to the supervisors, Yvonne, James and Kelly, and thank you to the Zone Manager, Izzy, for letting me drive the accessibility buggy which was great fun.

To anyone who wants to give it a go on their own next year - just do it, it's an amazing and rewarding experience!

Mick Leeds Festival – 2015

What a great year again. It’s my 3rd year with Hotbox and they never fail to deliver, all the staff are great and will go out of their way to help you. You will make some friends for life and have memories to remember for a life time, it’s a great way to do a festival and once you have done it once you will be wanting more. Don’t worry if you are doing it solo, the atmosphere is great and you will be sat around chatting with people before you know what’s happening. What more would you want, loads of time to party and see the bands, a clean campsite and marquee to meet people on the rainy days, shower and toilets close by. Give it a go you will never look back.

Mitchell Leeds Festival – 2017

Thank you so much for looking after us volunteers at Hotbox and beyond. I had a lot of fun with my supervisors, colleagues and security staff.
The campsite and accommodation you supplied made me feel very well looked after. I've made loads of great friends through this organisation and look forward to working with you again.

Natalie Leeds Festival – 2014

Thanks for the opportunity to work at Leeds Festival 2014. It was my first time and definitely won't be my last. Highly recommend it!

Nathan Download Festival – 2019

I had an amazing (and wet) time volunteering with Hotbox for the first time this year! I'll hopefully be returning for Download/Latitude next year!

Nick Download Festival – 2019

Can’t tell you how much of a pleasure it was to volunteer for you. It was a blast and such a refreshing approach to festival work. Companies I’ve worked for in the past had so many unnecessary levels of security or rules and I felt you had the perfect level of structure to keep us safe but make sure we had a good time and were happy to work.

Olivia Latitude Festival – 2019

Thank you for the most wonderful few days! I’m genuinely gutted I had to be ‘the weird one’ and only do the three days. I will 100% be back next year.

My first Latitude was absolutely magical and I can’t imagine a better way to experience it than working with you all. I adored my shifts, especially my new best pal Russell. I’m a complete Hotbox convert.

I’d absolutely love to get the chance to work with you all again, you’ll be sick of my face by the end of next festival season, I promise!

Paolo Latitude Festival – 2018

It's been great to be part of the Hotbox team at Latitude 2018. Great people and organisation. 

Paul Reading Festival – 2018

Just wanted to say I really enjoyed myself at Reading Festival and volunteering with hotbox for the first time.
Thanks again for allowing me to volunteer with you and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Paul Latitude Festival – 2015 (Events Management Student)

Latitude 2015 was my first real experience of working on a festival and it was everything I expected and more!

You really do meet the most amazing people and make some wonderful friends. The shifts are fun and there's always something new to get involved in.

Being able to watch all those bands for free is not bad either! I can't wait to return to festivals with Hotbox again next year!

Paula Camp Bestival Shropshire – 2022

I was very happy with the set up of Camp Bestival Shropshire, the camping position was great! All of the supervisors were great too - Greg was professional, friendly and approachable. See you next year!

Paula and Mark Download Festival – 2022

We had a great time as first time volunteers at Download, it's something we have wanted to try for a while. We had time to enjoy the festival and see the bands we wanted to see. We were a little apprehensive because we're older but we have a lot of festival experience but we joined the Hotbox Facebook group where we realised there were other people around our ages also volunteering. We would especially like to thank our shift supervisors Henry and Sarah, they were great to work with!

Peter Download Festival – 2019

As a volunteer at Download 2019, I had fun helping the festival goers to enjoy their time, despite lots and lots of rain and mud! I felt well supported and equipped and not only were all the customers both nice and grateful, but I made friends among the other volunteers and we are planning to work together at future festivals.

Rebecca Reading Festival – 2015 (Apprentice at RD&E Hospital)

Volunteering at Reading Festival 2015 was such an eye opening experience, having never been before to then going on my own to volunteer, that was a big step to take. But after making a couple of friends with my other CATS, I enjoyed it so much. Loved doing the afternoon / night shift as that was when all the actual festival goers were about. Definitely volunteering again next year as it was such a good laugh and I got to see so many of my favourite bands as well!

Reece Leeds Festival – 2019

This was the first time I volunteered for a festival and what can I say... it was amazing! Coming up by self was a bit daunting but after meeting the guys at camp, I now cannot wait until next year to volunteer again! See you next year Leeds! 

Rhiannon Leeds Festival – 2012 (Patient Advice and Liaison Volunteer at St James Hospital, Leeds)

Had a great time, as always! Loved working with the team in yellow camping. Met some great people and had time off to ourselves to chill and watch all the bands we wanted. Can't wait to sign up for more with you guys next year!

Rob Latitude Festival – 2021

This was a magic festival and all the volunteers and others working were fantastic. I only have positive comments about this - you performed exemplary delivery, especially considering the extra administration required of you by Covid restrictions. It was a joy to work with you all.

Robert Download Festival – 2017

A massive thank you to everyone at Hotbox after volunteering at Download Festival 2017!
I was wary about volunteering at first, so myself and my friend decided to go together to see what it was all about. We wanted to go to a festival and saw the opportunity to volunteer so we gave it a go. Honestly, it was one of the GREATEST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE! I met so many like minded people and made so many great new friends; a few of us have even decided to get together again in a group and volunteer for Leeds Fesitval later on this year!

Everyone at Hotbox was so friendly and all of the other volunteers WANTED to talk to you and make friends which was amazing. The supervisors on shift were most notably some of the friendliest and approachable people I've worked with. This kind of attitude and working atmosphere made the experience so much more enjoyable. I've made some great new friends because of this opportunity and I wholeheartedly recommend anyone who is dubious about volunteering, to just do it.

Roisin McHugh (and Amy and Rachel!) Reading Festival – 2013

I'd like to say thank you for a weekend I'll never forget. I was on the night shifts at Reading 2013, on White Camp and it was honestly such an amazing experience. I got to know so many amazing people and have a really good laugh with my friends. I'd like to say thank you to our supervisor Alife, who deserves a medal for how well he kept everyone happy and motivated. I had such an amazing time with everyone and got to see everyone I wanted in the festival. So, thank you Hotbox for a great weekend!

Ronda Download Festival – 2018

Volunteering was a great experience and let us into a festival we couldn’t otherwise afford. Thank you for the opportunity to experience Download.
I thought Pete was a brilliant shift supervisor. He was clear on what was expected and helped us when we needed it.
It was a good experience and having the compound with plugs and kettles is a great thing. The food stand was also brilliant value for money/festival food.

Rosie Reading Festival – 2010 (Student)

I worked at Reading Festival this year. I had an absolutely amazing time. I went with a group of friends, but also made so many friends when I was there! I have recommended working at a CAT to all of my friends and I will definitely be repeating the experience next year, hopefully at Latitude and Big Chill as well. Thank you Hotbox!

Sally Camp Bestival Dorset – 2022

I had such a great time volunteering at Camp Bestival. The 2 shifts was great and no graveyard shift was excellent. Thanks for a great weekend and see you at Reading!

Sally Reading Festival – 2017

This was my 4th year at Reading festival however my first year volunteering and it was amazing!

Not only did the shifts go quickly but turned out to be some of the highlights of my week due to the phenomenal number of people I met!

I will definitely be volunteering again next year - SIGN ME UP!

Sam Download Festival – 2018

Volunteering at this year's Download was so much fun!!
This was my first Download and the first time I’ve worked a festival (and I came by myself). Needless to say I was quite nervous and I was unsure what to expect, but as soon as I pitched my tent fellow volunteers introduced themselves and made me feel very much at ease and even though I had never been to Download, I felt a sense of home and belonging.

My first shift was the Wednesday-Thursday night shift and was in the village. I was really nervous, I didn’t know anybody, wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the night shift village Dog Squad supervisor Josh, made the team feel very much at ease and instilled confidence in us.
It was a long shift, but not because of the shift or work itself but because I had been awake since half 3 the day before to get the bus down so as you can imagine I was pretty exhausted at the end of that shift, but I was surprised at how fun it was.
And that was just the first day, each day and each shift just continued to get better and better.

I would seriously recommend volunteering, and not just Download festival, but for Hotbox Events themselves and all the other festivals they cover. They are an amazing team of people and everyone looks out for each other and the will bend over backwards to help you and make things more workable and they make you feel like family.
If you are like me and have never done anything like this before and If you’re unsure and sat on the fence whether to do it or not I would wholeheartedly recommend you do it, I promise you, you won’t regret it!! It’s the best time and not only the work but you get plenty of time to enjoy the festival as a fan too.

Thank you so much Hotbox, you really made me feel at ease and like part of a family. Was a truly rockin’ rollin’ week.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!

Sara Reading Festival – 2016

I volunteered at Reading festival this summer, It was amazing. I went with a group of Spanish friends, but also made many friends from other countries and other cultures. The experience as a CAT was fantastic, we had to work 8 hours, 3 days, but we could see the most important bands! So I recommended it. Thanks Hotbox! I hope to repeat it in a few years!

Sarah Reading Festival – 2009 (Production Designer (Magazine Publishing))

Working at the festival is great fun; you meet some fantastic people, have a laugh with the campers and enjoy the atmosphere and music for free when you're not working

Shalom Leeds Festival – 2017

It was a truly an exceptional experience. I signed up as a volunteer with Hotbox Events for Leeds Festival just 2 weeks before the event and still got the best shift I could possibly get, Delta 1.

This was my first ever experience of both camping and a music festival and Hotbox Events might have made that weekend the best one this year. I met so many great people and they have also made this experience quite the catch!

I am coming for Leeds Festival 2018 and will definitely volunteer for Hotbox Events again! The shifts are great, I got to watch every artists I wanted and overall it was a great week!

Shanika Reading Festival – 2013 (American Studies student, University of Leicester)

Working as a CAT at Reading Festival 2013 was an awesome experience! I got to meet loads of new people, both the workers and the campers and I saw most of the bands I wanted to see. The shifts are awesome, well the night shift is pretty crazy, but without doubt it is worth the experience. Volunteering is most definitely the way forward for festivals and I wouldn't go to them any other way!

Sophie Reading Festival – 2013 (Aeronautical Engineering Student, Loughborough University)

I enjoyed the volunteering experience I had at reading festival 2013. The music was great and the camping environment defiantly beat that of the paying customers. The white zone night supervisor Alfie did a great job making sure that everyone had a fair amount of time roaming, in stationary positions and on breaks. The toilet and shower facilities where better than I could have imagined for a festival. And the other CATs seemed very friendly.

Sophie Reading Festival – 2008

Just wanted to say I had an amazing time, all the staff were so friendly and I will be doing it again next year!

Susie Leeds Festival – 2015 (Student)

2014 was my first experience of a big music festival, and I'm so glad I chose to give my time as a volunteer. I met friends that I keep in regular contact with, and had loads of fun both on and off shift; the work is social and interesting (I even got picked to go up the fire towers on my first shift!).

I enjoyed it so much I went back to Leeds Festival to be a volunteer in 2015 and I'll be back again next year!

Taesha Reading Festival – 2019

I volunteered at Reading this year and was amazed by the experience! Having never volunteered at a festival before I was expecting it to be a lot more work, and expected to miss a few bands that I wanted to see.. but no, the work was so simple and enjoyable, I almost looked forward to my next shift throughout the week! Patrolling the campsites also meant talking to people and still being able to enjoy the festival atmosphere. All the staff for Hotbox were so lovely, also down to have a laugh with us, and I got to see all the bands that I wanted to see, it felt like a win-win situation.

I also met some lovely people, and can't wait until next year to see them again!

We will also be volunteering at Download and Latitude with you next year! As we feel it's the perfect way to enjoy a festival or even experience a new festival, without spending so much money on it. As especially at my age (18), getting that kind of money together to pay for full entrance plus drink and everything, is quite a struggle. And as I said, working there almost gives you a reason to meet new people, so even an introvert like me managed to make new friends, all thanks to Hotbox.

So thank you for the opportunity to have done this, I can't think of a better way to have spent a week off work, I had an amazing time!

Tia Reading Festival – 2016

Really enjoyed working with Hotbox for my first ever Reading Festival. Made loads of friends and am already planning to do it again next year!

Timothy Reading Festival – 2022

I really enjoyed my volunteering experience with you so thank you. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and my two supervisors Harrison and Kai were great!

Tom Reading Festival – 2021

I just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone! I had the best time and cannot wait to join you next year. All the staff/leaders were absolutely lovely and helpful and I haven't got a bad word to say. Thanks again and see you next year!

Tommy Download Festival – 2022

If I was to Pikachu-se a festival to return to it would be Download Festival, this was my 4th year with Hotbox and me and my panda hat will be back for a 5th! Friendly familiar faces, friendly new faces and friends; it was an awesome 5 days and to cap it off for the volunteers the sun shone making everyone smile from ear to ear! Roll on 2023!

Tommy Download Festival – 2017

I worked with the Dog Squad this year (2017) at Download Festival and was taken aback by how well organised it was, although we had never met before the staff and Dog Squad members clicked as if we had been doing it for years, Roll on Download 2018 and as Arnie said "I'll be back".

Tracey Reading Festival – 2008 (Research Scientist)

I worked at Reading 2007 and 2008, and I can't wait for 2009! I met some really great CATs that I'm looking forward to seeing again this year. There's plenty of time to enjoy the festival and the shifts can be quite entertaining too! The guys in charge are really helpful and have everything well organised. I've had such a great time as a CAT!

Trevor Download Festival – 2019

This Download was my third time volunteering with Hotbox and I had a great experience all round - despite the weather! I thought the relocation of the crew camp closer to the car park was an excellent move. Plus the in-camp shower block was a godsend!

Tyler Download Festival – 2018

Had an amazing time at Download!
I was nervous. This was the first festival I had been to by myself but everyone was lovely and I made friends instantly. As for shifts, being able to choose my preferred pattern was extremely useful and I didn't even find the night shift hard.

Thank you for a great time at Download.

Victoria Latitude Festival – 2017

Volunteering at latitude festival 2017 was not only the first festival I'd attended, but also the first festival I'd volunteered at.

Before I arrived I felt the prospect a little daunting, but as soon as I arrived in the "Hotbox" camp compound I felt more at ease. The briefing on the evening of the first day was also very informative and did help to equip me for my volunteering role.

Volunteering at Hotbox has really helped me grow in confidence and helped me realise I'm capable of a lot more.

So thank you Hotbox.

Will Leeds Festival – 2009 (Lifeguard, Wales)

3rd time at Leeds for me this year and once again had an awesome time, got to see so many bands and had some ace times with old and new CATs, public campsites were really lively and it was satisfying to know that we helped make the sites a safe and more friendly environment for everyone. Can't recommend this enough to everyone, see you all again next year CATs in 2010.

Zack Latitude Festival – 2021

I would love you guys to know that each year that I've worked for Hotbox, I've absolutely loved it! I would never do a festival as part of the general public ever again!

Zee Latitude Festival – 2008 (Administrator)

I worked Latitude 2008 as a CAT and had a much better time that I ever could have imagined. I went on my own and didn't really know anyone when I got there, but the people working alongside me were all really great. We were all there for the same reason and everyone got on great. I made some really cool friends, and despite having to work, had the time of my life. It's a fantastic opportunity to get to a festival if you can't afford it, or don't have anyone to go with, and still have a fabulous experience

Zuzanna Leeds Festival – 2017

This was my first time volunteering at Leeds Festival but I already know that it won't be my last. I have met amazing people both volunteers and staff and I made so many memories!

Thank you again for an unforgettable time!