Be the main point of contact between artists and stage managers on your stage
Ensure green rooms are secure, adequately stocked with refreshments and kept tidy
Keep track of performance times, soundchecks, and ensuring artists keep to the festival timetable
Help to gather artist monitoring information and set list data
Merchandise Assistant (15th – 24th may)
Receive and manage artists and festival merchandise stock, including CDs, T-shirts, and other items
Use PDQ machines (training provided) to sell merchandise to the public from the festival merchandise stand
Act as a source of information about the festival and the artists performing
Ensuring that mjf branding and all merch is set up before the event and packed away after the event
Stage Manager (15th – 17th may)
Working closely with the artist liaison team and helping artists on and off stage
Ensuring that the artist’s soundchecks and performances run according to the schedule
Assisting sound technicians and artists with their stage setup and load off if required
Ensure that your stage remains secure, clean and tidy with support from the security team and Production Manager
Festival Representative (15th – 24th may)
Welcoming the public to mjf and being the friendly face of the festival
Answer any audience questions, provide insights into the festival and help attendees navigate around
Encourage audience members to fill out questionnaires to help gather information that can inform future festivals
Ensure festival and audience areas are kept clear, tidy, and well-maintained throughout the event
Encourage donations, and share information about how attendees can contribute to keeping the festival thriving for future years (mjf friends and mjf futures)
Festival Crew[11th – 17th may]
Assist mjf staff and technical crew in the setup, de-rig and smooth running of mjf2026
Help to setup and install signage, festival branding and on-site infrastructure (gazebos, tables, chairs etc)
Help artists with unloading/loading of equipment and stage changeovers (lifting may be required)
Event Office Assistant [11th – 17th may]
Work closely with mjf staff to support in the smooth running of the festival
Assist with the preparation and distribution of event materials, schedules, and merchandise.
Ensuring that the Event Office is kept clean, tidy and its resources are well-stocked.
Photographer & Videographer(15th – 24th may)
Capture images and videos of the live music, audiences, atmosphere and branding of the event and festival
Work from a brief provided by the marketing team to accommodate the festival’s visual style and requirements
Social Media Content Creator(15th – 24th may)
Capture footage of the live music, audiences and atmosphere of the event, specifically for our social media (posts, stories, reels etc.)
Create live content to document the happenings at the festival as they unfold
Work within the mjf brand guidelines and content plan (training and support will be provided)
If you have any queries, please email Mary Allen, Operations and Festival Administrator – volunteer@manchesterjazz.com
Here’s what the mjf2025 volunteers had to say about their festival experience, and a snapshot of them in action!
“mjf is one of a kind. I love Jazz and the people.”
“Overall I was just blown away by how positive, friendly and kind everyone was.”
“The funnest experience I’ve had working in a festival team.”
“It was great to be part of a team who shared similar values and their love for jazz shined through. Thank you for being such a welcoming and friendly team to be a part of as my first year, I can’t wait to volunteer in the future.”
