This August, over 3,000 people from across the UK will be joining together for Wildfires Festival on the Wiston Estate near Steyning, West Sussex. The annual Christian event has been running since 2018 and has grown to become an exciting weekend-long event for everyone on the August bank holiday.
Each year, over 200 volunteers give their time to ensure the not-for-profit event runs smoothly. For 2024, the Police have been invited to support in a voluntary capacity again, specifically in relation to the safeguarding children and vulnerable adults attending the event. Clare McKnight will be leading the team this year again. She is a retired Police Inspector from Sussex Police and CPA Member, who has also led volunteers at Big Church Festival (BCF are not using Police this year).
We would love for you to be part of the safeguarding, welfare, and wider teams. We are therefore appealing for individuals who would be happy to volunteer at this great family event. Safeguarding volunteers would be responsible for dealing with lost and separated children, as well as any immediate concerns for vulnerable persons. As has proven in the past, this team is not restricted to just safeguarding. With the skills often shown by police officers and police staff, this team will also be helping to ensure that the guests have a great customer experience, and therefore will be supporting other aspects of the event too. They can be either police officers or police staff and would attend as a member of the public, not in a uniformed capacity.
In return, as well as the opportunity to be part of a great team, volunteers will receive:
- Free access to the event when not working.
- Full free tickets for immediate family. (partners and children under 18).
- Free camping onsite (including family)
- Free meals for volunteers (3 per day)
Support for the event will be provided from Thursday 22nd – Monday 26th August with early and late shifts available. If you would be interested in volunteering at an exciting and vibrant family event or would like further information, then go to www.wildfiresfestival.com. Send your expression of interest to Clare McKnight at [email protected].
Clare McKnight
Retired Police Officer – Sussex Police
