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WOMEX (Worldwide Music Expo) is the world’s leading music industry event for global music, bringing together over 3000 music professionals and artists from over 100 countries. Now in its 30th year, WOMEX 24 will take up residence in Manchester for 5 packed days of networking and performances between 23-27 October 2024.

During the day Manchester Central will be a hive of activity as it plays host to a huge trade fair and conference programme for WOMEX delegates.

At night, venues across the city centre (Albert Hall, Aviva Studios, HOME, Manchester Central, O2 Ritz Manchester, The Bridgewater Hall) will open their doors to the public, hosting the WOMEX 24 Global Music Festival for an exciting programme of music showcases, club nights and films.

Delegates and audiences can expect a vibrant mix of musical genres and styles including folk, roots, jazz and electronic, from traditional music forms to the latest underground sounds.

Why volunteer at WOMEX?

• A one-off opportunity to be involved in a major international music event, coming to the UK for the first time in over 10 years
• Represent the best of Manchester to thousands of international visitors
• Develop skills and experience in a range of areas
• Make connections with people from across the world, and on your doorstep.
  

Benefits

As a WOMEX 24 volunteer you’ll receive:

• A WOMEX 24 wristband, giving you access to all activities when you’re not on shift, including night-time music showcases
• Expenses to cover the cost of public transport within Greater Manchester when travelling to and from your volunteer shift
• A WOMEX t-shirt to be worn on shift
• Refreshments while on shift

Who we’re looking for

We want to hear from a wide range of people based in and around Manchester. Whether you’re a music fan or just fancy trying something new – there’s a place for you in the team. 

As a WOMEX 24 volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring this milestone 30th edition in Manchester is one to remember!

We’re looking for friendly and approachable people with a can-do attitude, preferably good local knowledge. 

As we’re expecting delegates from over 100 different countries, we’d love to hear from people who speak languages other than English.

No previous volunteering experience necessary. 

Please note to volunteer at WOMEX 24 you must be aged 18 years or over.

What’s involved

We’re asking all volunteers to commit to at least 2 shifts. Most of the roles will take place over the event days (23-27 October 2024) although some may involve lending a hand during set-up and take-down in the days before and after.

Many of the roles take place at Manchester Central and at our other night-time venues Albert Hall, Aviva Studios, HOME, O2 Ritz Manchester and The Bridgewater Hall. Some roles may take place elsewhere but all are based in the city centre.

We have a wide range of volunteer roles available. If there’s something specific you’re interested in, please let us know in your application form. 

Day-time Conference and Trade Fair volunteers
Be part of the action during the day at Manchester Central helping with:

• Registration and Check-in – greeting and welcoming delegates, distributing badges and wristbands, handing out event bags, helping at the information desk
• Hospitality – assisting with set-up and changeover of rooms used for film screenings, conferences and receptions 

Night-time Venue volunteers
Be part of the lively night-time activity helping with: 

• Front of house – welcoming people to the music showcases, providing information, checking wristbands and tickets, showing people to their seats
• Box office – supporting the night-time team with guest lists for the opening night concert and music showcases, distributing wristbands, general ticket enquiries
• Production Artist Liaison – supporting the showcase team backstage, assisting artists to their performances, maintaining dressing rooms, replenishing catering supplies, assisting with the film screening Q&As at HOME
• Technical – some positions may be available assisting sound and audiovisual (AV) at music showcase venues 

Please note that night-time volunteers may finish late evening as the music showcases start at 9pm. Transport home will be available for anyone volunteering after 11pm.

How to get involved

Step One – Apply 

Complete an online form and tell us about yourself, what you’re interested in, and your availability. 

Apply now

Step Two – Meet the Team

If you’re shortlisted we’ll invite you to have a face-to-face chat on either 31 August, 5 September, 8 September or 12 September. This is a chance for us to get to know you, and for you to decide if volunteering at WOMEX is right for you. 

Step Three – Get Ready 

All volunteers will attend an online induction session at the start of October where you’ll learn more about WOMEX and receive all the training you need for your volunteer role. This session will be recorded for those that are not available on the day.  

Got a question about your application?

Get in touch and email WOMEXvolunteer@englishfolkexpo.com. 

Manchester Music City is the host organisation for WOMEX 24. As a key Manchester Music City partner, English Folk Expo is responsible for delivering the event. This includes managing the volunteer team.