Working at Hay Festival

The festival is put together by hundreds of people, from building the site and producing the events to welcoming our guests and spreading the word. We are currently recruiting for a number of temporary jobs at this year's festival plus training opportunities on our Hay Academy. More posts wlll be advertised shortly, so please check this page regularly.

Cotto Restaurant Team for Hay Festival 2024

Cotto are looking for hard-working people to help out at their restaurant at Hay Festival this year.

If you enjoy being part of a big team and getting stuck in, then do get in touch. They are recruiting people of all levels in kitchen, floor, bar, back of house, prep/set up and break down

The restaurant opens from May 24 until June 2. Hours are 9am till 9pm everyday.

There is a camp site situated near the Festival or lifts can be arranged from Hereford with other members of the team. All meals included. Rates of pay will be decided on experience.

If you want to get some kitchen experience, learn how to work a restaurant floor or already have lots of experience please email Cotto at cottohereford@gmail.com or call on 07464 964 390.

Hay Festival 2024 - Site Crew

Come and join the Hay Festival Site Crew team!

We are looking for 8 general labourers, plus people with additional skills such as carpentry & fork lift operation. Positions start on April 29 and run full time through to June 8, including 2/3 weekends. The festival is May 23  – June 2.

Applicants must be reliable, fit, outgoing and prepared to work as part of a team to undertake a diverse range of tasks as allocated, including:

  • Unloading our large warehouse of furniture and installing or distributing around the site
  • Installation of graphics banners, frames and flags across the festival site
  • Installation of the Box Office and Green Room internal stud walling and panelling
  • General festival site maintenance 
  • Assisting the recycling team and generally ensuring the festival site is clean and tidy

Candidates must be prepared to work in all weather conditions (PPE provided). A clean driving license and experience of driving a Luton van would be preferable. Good time-keeping necessary.

Pay rate: £11.50 per hour plus meals in staff restaurant during the festival (May 23 – June 2) included. Applicants will need to have their own accommodation and transport

For further information or to apply please send a current CV to Georgie on Georgie@hayfestival.org or call 01497 822 620

Hay Festival 2024 - Gardening Team

We are currently recruiting for 3 positions in the Hay Festival gardening team. 

Working days split over a 3 week period: 

  • 2 days - week commencing May 13
  • 2 days - week commencing May 20
  • 2 days - week commencing June 3

We are looking for general labourers, no specific gardening knowledge required. 

Applicants must be reliable, fit, outgoing and prepared to work as part of a team to undertake a diverse range of tasks as allocated, including:

  • Transporting and unloading a large amount of outdoor furniture 
  • Transportation of various plants and plant installations 
  • Ensuring the successful distribution and installations of a large number of plants and plant installations under the guidance of the lead garden designer 

Must be prepared to work in all weather conditions (PPE provided) and be prepared to undertake a variety of different tasks.

Clean driving license and experience of driving a Luton van would be preferable.

Pay rate: £11.50 per hour plus meals in staff restaurant during the festival on days worked. (May 23 – June 2) included. Applicants will need to have their own accommodation and transport

For further information or to apply please send a current CV to Georgie on Georgie@hayfestival.org or call 01497 822 620