A week of volunteering at Glastonbury Festival

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Empire Fighting Chance headed back to Worthy Farm again this year to take six young people to volunteer for WaterAid at Glastonbury Festival. It was part of the festival's 'Volunteer Collective Initiative.'

This was our second time taking a group of young people, after doing so in 2024.

And once again, it was a huge success, a fantastic event and the young people hugely benefitted from the experience.

Glastonbury Festival 2025 attracted over 200,000 revellers to the Somerset farm, but there were also 2000 volunteers at the festival giving up their time to support the running of the event working across various roles.

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    Staff and young people at the Water Aid station at Glastonbury Festival.

One of the big NGOs involved at Glastonbury is Water Aid, and they play a crucial role over a long hot weekend quenching the thirst of festival goers across the various water stations. Empire took six young people to volunteer for the charity organisation.

For these young volunteers, the work experience offered a variety of transferable skills : from team work and communication; to problem-solving under pressure; as well as promoting respect, inclusivity, and positive engagement with the public. 

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    Volunteers worked on shifts throughout the whole festival hydrating thousands of festival goers.

Young volunteer Izutullah said :  ''I had an unforgettable time at Glastonbury — music, vibes, and memories for life. Huge thanks to Empire for making it happen!"

Darron, another young volunteer said of his experience that, "Glastonbury was honestly the best thing I think I’ve ever done, it was mind opening to problems around the world and showed me how we can positively work to a better future."

Connie gained a lot from volunteering, explaining that, " I loved volunteering for water aid at Glastonbury through Empire and it has definitely inspired me to volunteer at  more festivals in the future.

I loved interacting with everyone through volunteering, and also enjoyed the time we got to spend at the festival."

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    Some of the young volunteers were interviewed by ITV West Country at the festival.

Community Manager Courtney, one of several Empire staff at the festival, recognises the value of volunteering at such an event for young people. He said : "The volunteering experience builds confidence, cultural awareness, and a real sense of belonging, all while creating life long memories at this iconic event. 

It takes young people out of their comfort zone, and gives them a unique and different experience. Some even got a chance to be interviewed on the telly!"

Courtney added : "It was great to partner with Glastonbury Festival and WaterAid again this year, seeing the young people interact with the public whilst serving them water and embracing the Festival was truly inspirational!"

And we hope to continue our relationship with the festival and bring a whole new team of young people at the next one in 2027."

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    All the young volunteers had an amazing time at the festival, created lifelong memories and learnt some really valuable skills from volunteering at such a huge event. And yes got to dress like farmers and stand by a tractor!

To find out about volunteering opportunities at Water Aid read here and for more information on our Box Careers programme click here.