ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

The Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society is a volunteer-driven organization. From the year-round committees that carry out the Society’s objectives to the folks who pitch in during the Folk Harbour Festival, volunteers make it all happen. We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly and responsible music lovers to join our team. Punctuality and commitment to the task you’ve undertaken, as well as a cheerful and co-operative manner with festival-goers and other volunteers are a must! In return, you’ll have the fun and satisfaction of being a part of the Festival and meeting lots of like-minded people.

Interested in volunteering?

All new volunteers must complete an application. Here’s how it works:

  • You apply by clicking the Get Started link below
  • We review your application and place you with a committee based on your preference and our needs
  • Your committee chair or designate will contact you and schedule your shifts
  • You will attend an orientation
  • Now you’re ready to volunteer at the 2019 Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival!

If you are under 19, you must also submit a new Parental Consent Form each year.

If you have any questions about volunteering please email volunteer@folkharbour.com.

Are you a returning volunteer?

You will receive a welcome back email in the spring from the Volunteer Coordinator. If you have not received an email from us please email volunteer@folkharbour.com. to ensure your contact information is still included in our Volunteer contact list.

By filling out the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society application form you give the Society permission to use your information to fulfill obligations of the Society and share the information with all committee chairs in an effort to ensure applicants and positions are matched.

Position Descriptions

  • Responsible for the overall coordination of the Bandstand Concert Series.
  • Includes but is not limited to liaison with Folk Harbour Committees as well as other groups to ensure appropriate pre and post Concert responsibilities have been performed and to ensure all appropriate arrangements are made with follow through for the Concert to occur.
  • Is responsible for set-up on each concert day, and for providing MC support for the concert.
  • Many of the performers who come to the Festival or who perform at concerts are placed in private homes during their stay. This is a very delicate matter and appropriate placement of our performers is very important to the Society.
  • If you are interested in billeting, please complete the Volunteer Registration form. Potential billets will participate in an interview with our Billeting Committee Chair.

Only members of the Society may be elected to membership on the Board. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please note this on your volunteer application

Festival

  • Selling tickets at the Festival venues or from the Office
  • Comfort in dealing with cash and credit card transactions.
  • Comfortable using technology. Ticket sales at office through online system (Ticket Pro) training provided.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Attention to detail.

Concerts and Other Events (September through June)

  • Distribution of tickets to outlets 4-6 weeks in advance of show & collection of tickets and money on day of show.
  • Selling tickets at the monthly concert venue which requires comfort in dealing with cash and credit card transactions.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Selling our performer’s CDs and Festival merchandise
  • Two Festival locations: Daytime at the Wharf, Evening at the Main Stage
  • Small table at concerts, mostly selling the performer’s CD and merchandise
  • Requires comfort in dealing with cash and credit card transactions and interacting helpfully with the public
  • A knowledge of the performers music is a definite asset
  • Work with the Program Committee arranging line up and activities
  • Work with Volunteer Coordinator to fulfill Volunteer needs for the evening
  • Responsible for Live and Silent Auctions, organize raffle and 50/50 as well as obtaining license
  • Members of the Green Team are ambassadors for LFHS environmental initiates, providing festival-goers with general information on how the Society is doing their part to reduce waste, to promote Town water (including the Blue W program), and to protect our environment.
  • Encourage and assist public to dispose of their waste using appropriate recycling/garbage bins
  • You will act as an on-site trouble-shooter to ensure the waste stations are not overflowing or unsightly
  • You may be responsible for refilling bulk water dispensers at the Water Market
  • You will ensure that water is always available for performers and report any shortages to the Green Team Chair.
  • You may be required to work alongside Site Crew related to waste disposal and water needs.
  • If you enjoy a high energy atmosphere, meeting and serving the public this may be the venue you may enjoy.
  • You must be willing to work late hours, be on your feet, be involved with food & beverage preparation, cleaning, serving and working with the public
  • You must be 19 or older
  • You may also assist with greeting our guests as well as maintaining entrance to afterhours and invitation lists
  • As a member of this committee, you will be asked to be creative and a serious team player.
  • The role of the committee is to develop and sustain the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society brand
  • Works closely with the Executive.
  • Promotion of the Festival, the Concert Series and the Bandstand Series
  • Requires writing skills, including use of a computer, page layout, etc.
  • Responsible for placement and removal of Concert Series, Folk Fiesta!, Youth Concert and Festival signage, banners and posters in various communities
  • Confirm existing members and seek renewals
  • Recruit new members through recruiting at Society events and in specific membership drives
  • Assist with documenting information and tracking memberships
  • Responsible for photographically recording the Festival event and other Society Events throughout the year.
  • Must be prepared to parse their own work, label each final photo or video according to a prescribed format and submit a CD or other means of transferring their work to the Society (e.g., Internet transfer)
  • Must be willing to give up all copyright of work submitted to the Society
  • Includes photographically documenting our audience, staff while they work, and performers.
  • The number of photographers used for events is limited. They should be professional-quality, submit a portfolio and will be interviewed.
  • Responsible for the administration of the Jim Pittman Awards
  • Runs the Children’s Arts and Craft area during Festival weekend

Set Up Crew (Festival only)

  • Wednesday and Thursday from approximately 8 am to 4 pm
  • Range of duties from hauling chairs to swinging a hammer
  • Lifting is involved

Take down Crew (Festival only)

  • Monday from approximately 8am to 4pm
  • What has gone up must come down
  • Range of duties from hauling chairs to swinging a hammer
  • Lifting is involved

Maintenance and Access

  • Able to be courteous in any situation
  • Oversee access at the various Main Stage gates and the After Hours site
  • Monitor fence line perimeter at Main Stage
  • Day and evening shifts (After hours shift ends at approximately 4 am)
  • Ensure access to only those who have appropriate permission or tickets
  • Directs patrons and volunteers to appropriate parking areas around the Main Stage Tent
  • Other related duties as assigned

Stage Managers (Year round)

  • Responsible for overseeing the load-in, set-up, sound checks, concerts and tear down and load-out to oversee everything happening onstage at a venue.
  • Supervise and/or controlling the stage lighting, problem solving sound issues and ensuring smooth operations overall
  • Works to keep the backstage area as clear as possible, so as to avoid backstage areas being crowded and noisy during performances.

House Managers (Festival only)

  • Enforces the rules of the venue and the policies of Folk Harbour Society on audience photography or sound disruption (cellphones, etc.) and common courtesy.
  • Assists the Stage Manager as required.
  • Ensures the venue is returned to the owners in a clean condition including the separation and removal of garbage.

General Volunteer (Festival only)

  • Other duties as identified by House and Stage Managers
  • A chance to meet some of our performers
  • A suitable vehicle and a good driving record are essential
  • Depending on the situation, a large vehicle with room for luggage and instruments may be required

Airport

  • Using your own vehicle, providing pickup and/or delivery of performers to the Halifax airport
  • In some cases, a rental or other non-owned vehicle may be offered, but sometimes a special license is required

In Town

  • Using your own vehicle, providing transportation between venues and from billet homes to venues
  • Often you are assigned to one or more specific performers
  • Must be available on call to ensure smooth delivery of performers on time for their day and evening appearances
  • Vehicle must be large enough to carry the required instruments (in some cases, small vehicles are sufficient)
  • May be asked to ensure performers are returned to their billet locations after the After Hours party

Shuttle Drivers

  • Shuttles are rented or supplied for shuttle service
  • Drivers work in shifts to pick up and drop off performers and attendees from designated areas
  • Clean abstract
  • A small team responsible as an intermediary between Committee Chairs and Volunteers,
  • Assists with recruitment, placement and orientation of Volunteers,
  • Maintains a database of volunteers (present & past),
  • Ensures Committee Chairs can and do utilize the database and scheduling system
  • Supports the Committee Chairs while ensuring their needs are met during the Festival and other Society events throughout the year
  • Hosts Orientation night, Volunteer Appreciation Night and Committee Chair meetings before the Festival

Ready to fill out an application?

Get Started

Download a Parental Consent Form

Get It Here