Do I need a DBS check as a Big Church Volunteer?
Certain teams will be subject to a DBS check, which is outlined on the team pages. Please note, all our DBS checks will begin to be processed in the spring time.
What are my options for staying onsite as a Volunteer?
As a volunteer you get access to our exclusive volunteer campsite & do not need to purchase a camping ticket.
- Camping
Pitch up on our volunteer campsite. Please note, you are required to bring all of your own camping equipment.
- Caravan/Campervan/Motorhome
If you are wishing to join us in your motorhome, caravan or campervan you must make us aware ahead of the event! Please email volunteers@bigchurchfestival.com to provide us with the details of this, and whether you will need an electric hook-up. We will then create a caravan e-ticket for you. You will not be able to bring your caravan on site without this e-ticket. We ask that you let us know this information by the end of June 2026 in order for us to accommodate you.
- Please note that caravan pitches and electric hook-up spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests can only be acknowledged and confirmed once your volunteer application has been accepted.
- Glamping/rent-a-tent
If you would like to book glamping or rent-a-tent please head to the Big Church website where you can book directly with the team. We do not offer free or discounted glamping or rent-a-tent for volunteers. If you decide to book glamping or rent-a-tent and would like it set up for your arrival, please reach out to us via email and send over your booking reference number. We’ll then ensure your tent is set up for your arrival!
Can I bring my friends and family?
Yes! We’d love your friends and family to join us at Big Church Festival. If they are not volunteering, they will need to buy a general festival ticket and camping ticket. We have an exclusive volunteer camping area where the Volunteer Hub is located, it is restricted access, but you can have up to three immediate family members join you. If you have friends you would like to bring along, we’d love them to join the volunteer team alongside you! They will need to go through the application process themselves. If you would like to camp together, you will have to do so in the general camping area, as we can only accept immediate family members at this time.
I’ve got a question about volunteering, who do I contact?
Our brilliant Volunteer Team! You can contact them by emailing support@cfan.org.uk
Can I volunteer if I live outside the UK?
Yes, if you have the right to volunteer here. You can apply if you have:
- Citizenship in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, or Channel Islands (Common Travel Area)
- EU/EEA citizenship with Settled or Pre-Settled Status in the UK
- A valid Working Holiday Visa
If you hold a different visa or immigration status, please ensure you have the right to volunteer in the UK before applying. You’ll be asked to confirm any restrictions or limitations on your application form. Please note, we’re unable to support volunteer visas or provide invitation letters for visa applications. For further details on visa requirements, please visit www.gov.uk.
What’s the minimum age to volunteer?
You need to be at least 16 to volunteer. If you’re 16 or 17, we’ll need a parental consent form completed by a parent/guardian in order to accept your application. We will contact you regarding this once you have applied. There’s no upper age limit, everyone’s welcome!
Can I volunteer with a friend?
Absolutely! You can request one friend, just apply at the same time, choose the same team, and put each other’s names on your forms. We’ll do our best to place you together.
How will my shifts be organised?
This depends on your team and your role. We work with Team Leaders individually to make sure your shifts are spread evenly across the event. As a Big Church Volunteer, you will get one event day off to enjoy everything the festival has to offer!
What happens after I have applied?
We aim to process your application as soon as possible, but please note that we’re unable to accept applications until we’ve received your card details and heard back from both of your references. Once everything is in place your application will be accepted, subject to a DBS check (if relevant) in the spring and you’ll be allocated to a team as soon as possible. We only decline applications if:
- You don’t meet the requirements in our Terms & Conditions.
- You’ve missed shifts without good reason in the past.
- Your referees feel it’s not the right fit.
- Roles are full, or your form is incomplete.
Roles are first-come, first-served, and we’ll do our best to match your preferred role.
How do I apply to volunteer?
Applications are open now! Click here to apply Click here to see about the different serving opportunities!
What else can I look forward to as a volunteer?
You’ll have access to our Volunteer Hub: your base for the weekend. It’s the place to relax with new friends, encounter Jesus in worship, enjoy breakfast and lunch, grab hot chocolate at after-hours hangouts, connect with our brilliant pastoral team and so much more!
Do I get free food as a volunteer?
Yes, you’ll get breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the days you’re scheduled to volunteer. These days will be listed in your application profile closer to the event. On any non-volunteering days, you’ll need to bring or buy your own food.
What’s our cancellation policy?
To keep Big Church Festival running smoothly, we hold card details for cancellations or no-shows. You’ll only be charged if you cancel without a valid reason, don’t show up, or miss your shifts. We also understand that plans can change, so here’s how it works if you do need to cancel:
Cancellation Deadlines
When You Cancel
Fee Charged
Up to midnight on 20th July 2026
No charge
20th July- 3rd August 2026
£45 (25%)
4th August–21st August 2026
£90 (50%)
After 21st August 2026 or don’t complete shifts
£180 (100%)
If unexpected circumstances arise, please contact us, we’ll always take genuine emergencies into account. How to Cancel
What If You Apply After the Deadlines Have Begun?
The same cancellation policy applies, so please be sure you’re able to join us before submitting your application.
DBS Checks
If your role requires a DBS check and it has already been completed at the time you cancel, the cost of this check will be added to your cancellation fee. This means you will be charged both your cancellation fee and the DBS fee.
Ticket Refunds for Volunteers
If you apply to volunteer before purchasing event tickets, and your application is accepted, we can refund any event tickets you buy afterwards. If you have already purchased event tickets before applying to volunteer, and are then accepted onto 2026 team, we’re not able to refund those tickets. Please make sure you’re happy with this before submitting your volunteer application.
Do I have to pay to volunteer?
As a volunteer you get free access to the event, as well as free camping. To secure your place, we ask for card details. Why? In past years, last-minute dropouts left gaps and cost the festival over £10,000. To keep things fair and running smoothly, we now hold card details. You’ll only be charged if you cancel without good reason, don’t show up, or don’t complete your shifts. Don’t worry, no money is taken upfront and your details are stored securely.