Please tell us THREE POSITIVE things about your experience of volunteering at Broadstairs Folk Week
Meeting lovely people Being part of a team Helping Broadstairs traders
Working with nice people. Feel good factor. Listening to good bands
To meet like minded people, to further the aims of folk week,to keep folk tradition alive.
Feeling of involvement in something that I have enjoyed as a customer for many years. Working with a lovely group of people and the social aspect of the work. A feeling of paying back into something that I value highly.
Catching up with returning artists, Morris sides etc every year Who are now all friends Good atmosphere among work force
Made great friends. Get to enjoy the events. Really enjoy helping people.
1) The sense of community that is at the heart of the Festival. I have found that, for the most part, everyone involved pitches in, helps each other, offers support and enjoys each other's company. 2) The opportunity to develop my work experience. The festival has afforded me the opportunities to stage manage, serve customers, work with children and collect funds for the festival. I have included Broadstairs Folk Week on every job application I have made since 2006. 3) The wide variety of music and activities that the festival has to offer means that each year I get to experience music that I know I love and also the chance to experience totally new bands and artistes.
1. Working with all artistes 2. Forming close friendships with volunteers 3. Near the beach
We'll organised. Very friendly nd helpfully to me. Look forward to helping out this year 2018.
Hearing music Meeting new people Meeting old friends
meeting friends, good music and everone working together
The feeling one is making a positive contribution to the folk music scene. Helping to ensure that the audience is happy and feeling safe and secure. Enjoying the camaraderie in working with colleagues.
Talking to people A feeling that I am helping Free ticket!
Make friends- as a single person, it would be lonely as just an attendee More involvement with the musicians- I can feel more involved without the same scale of musical ability! Drink less!
I met lots of different people who became friends over the time period. It was a good volunteering experience which I enjoyed and can add to my CV. The set-up for volunteers for free camping and ease of access.
Making sure the show starts and finnishes on time,as per the published lists. Dealing with Artists and helping them to have an enjoyable time. Engaging with the public
The opportunity to: hear many different artistes from UK and the world learn new skills in singing and dancing take part in dances and song sessions
Camaraderie between volunteers. Welcome break / change from the day job. Opportunity to see some great acts in my down time.
Great people to work with Excellent music and other entertainment Brilliantly organised bringing people and monetary contribution to the town
Chance to meet and listen to folk musicians and music Good to be involved in something which is of benefit to the town Can be good fun
It is something I really enjoy, I feel part of a family. Last year I deliberated about being part of the team, then I had a dream about it, and in the dream I was so happy and at peace, I then realised how much I enjoyed being part of the team , so I said ‘ yes’ to doing it again !
meeting peoplefeeling useful being part of a teambeing dipl
1st time ever as a volunteer, people were really friendly really enjoyed the whole experience, made two other friends so that we used to go around together with when our shifts allowed which ment we all went to places and venues we might have gone to had we been on our own and we are all looking forward to meeting up again this year .All the volunteers from young to old(like me) were lovely and we had a good laugh. The artists were also really friendly. In the main the public did not mind us telling them what we wanted them to do so as not to disturb the artists while they were in the middle of a performmance.
It makes me incredibly happy I meet fantastic people It's good for the town
It has: led to further work, gained many friends and gets my equipment PAT tested every year
Renewing acquaintances with people we don't usually see Making it possible to keep venues open and interest high in events Discovering new artistes and new ethusiasts
The chance to meet members of the workforce team early in the week before the festival. The satisfaction of solving the technical problems which arise and have been different for the past few years. Free camping.
Making and meeting friends Great music Sense of giving back to the community
A feeling of satisfaction in helping to ensure the success of the festival and, hopefully, its continuation in the future. Meeting like-minded people and enjoying the performances.
Feeling useful, catching up with the folk community from outside Broadstairs, helping keep the festival alive
Great group of people to work with. Great holiday atmosphere in Broadstairs. Fantastic artists who we drive to the venues and sometimes get the chance to see them perform.
Community involvement Meeting new people New challenges which I wouldn't come across in my everyday job
Being by the seaside in glorious sunshine without having to pay for accommodation as volunteers may camp for free. Meeting and hearing the singers and musicians and other 'folkies' who are the most wonderful people in the world. Having so many music, dance, and workshop venues to go to in the town during folk week with so much available to do. We're spoilt for choice when not on volunteer duties.
Company of co workers Access to the festival The bands
I can volunteer at the same time enjoy the festival Meet different people Use different communication skills
meeting the public, helping our community and exceptional atmosphere.
Great fun Lovely atmosphere Fantastic musical event
Meeting people, both new and familiar and catching up with them. Being a part of a festival I enjoy. The benefits of being part of the workforce (free pass to events)
Socialising with a broad spectrum of people of all ages. Working in a position where a cross section of abilities/experience could learn from each other. Interacting with the public.
Community involvement Access to events Supporting folk week
I feel a strong sense of being part of Folk Week It makes me feel more a part of the wider Broadstairs community I get to know visitors and participants better than I would otherwise
As new residents in 2013 it helped us to integrate with the local community. Each year we catch up with friends we only see in followed. Access to all the events.
It is a very social way to spend a week. The atmosphere in the town and at the campsite is great. It is nice to do something for a charity.
meet new people, organisers, workforce, artists, performers, visitors, learn new skills in dance, poy, hulahoop etc., catch up with friends we only see at BFW
I have met a lot of great people through my involvement with folk week. I volunteered for the first time at the time that I moved to Broadstairs, and thus I met a lot of people who have involvement with the folk music scene in Thanet. Folk Week would not happen without the efforts of hundreds of people, and there is satisfaction in being one of those who "make it happen". There are the benefits of volunteering - free camping, access to concerts and workshops.
It brings the community together in a friendly and positive way. Great way of socializing with people from all walks of life. Great Fun
Involvement, teamwork, contributing to a major event in Broadstairs
Very friendly team of volunteers. Great to meet the public and festival goers. Like to pay back for years of fun when Folk Week was my annual holiday.
How nice the campers, minibus drivers and artistes of all manner/fame are How nice Charles Dickens site was (I did it for 2 years only) How rapidly Kim ironed out problems.
Its fun, Good to be involved Feel I am helping a great venture
Has opened up new opportunities to learn about instruments, music, dance, history and culture that I wouldn't have access to without volunteering and expanded my outlook and understanding of our country as well as the local area Has given me the opportunity to meet a diverse group of people from all around the world and engage people who attend the festival. Giving them the best experience of the festival and the surrounding areas and showing how proud I am to be part of it and showing the best of broadstairs be it people, places or businessespecially It brings me personally a week to look forward to every year where I can guarantee there will be joy in my heart and a smile on my face.
1) Spending a week in a field with friends!! 2) being apart of an amazing event!! 3) all the amazing music and dancing that happens!
Meet a variety of kind generous people Superb entertainment Brings a lot of extra revenue for the retailers
Free camping Free access to events Meeting a wide range of people some who become good friends
I enjoy being part of the even I like meeting members of the public I like the variety of events on offer.
1. meeting and working with lots of new people 2. Meeting artistes and expanding my musical tastes 3. feeling part of a community and team that contributes to an enjoyable festival
- It's good fun to be able to camp and work with my friends - I enjoy the music so by trading working for a free ticket it's a fantastic deal and gives me freedom to attend events that I want to - It's good fun to be a part of a team and the hours are nice and easy so works well with the weather too
Meeting like minded people, learning new skills and listening to some wonderful music
Good to meet up with old friends and chat whilst working. working for the festival is great fun, you get to meet and help people to go and see shows, give them information on acts and how to get to places in Broadstairs.
It's great fun, It's great meeting new people and seeing old friends and it's a joy seeing everyone so happy, especially the kids!
Very friendly festival Great campsite Indoor storage for musical instruments
Being in the lovely Broadstairs for a week in the summer Hearing lots of great music Being with a smashing workforce
I have experienced music I would not necessarily chosen to see/hear. I have enjoyed the freedom from my normal routine. I have enjoyed meeting new people from a variety of backgrounds.
Made friends Known at work centre Feel contributing to communitysome local residents attitude
Making friends Making a positive contribution to the success of Folk Week Working in a team
Opportunity to meet many dancing friends year after year. Being able to dance whilst working and helping others to enjoy dancing.
Most enjoyable place to steward. Stewarding well organised. One or the other on duty at any time is able to dance, once most people have arrived.

Please tell us about any NEGATIVE or CHALLENGING aspects of volunteering at Broadstairs Folk Week
Some people having to much alcohol and not being able to handle it. Some of the regular people doing workshops, gave the air of being aloof and not wanting to abide by the rules. Town is very very busy
Seeing the rules broken and not challenged be management.
Can be challenging on Friday especially later in evening when people arriving are tired and stressed from travelling but still have to be checked in with forms etc to be filled
Shifts can be long and tiring, and camping with minimal equipment when you don't drive can be uncomfortable over the course of the week.
The only negative aspect of the festival for me is that, at times, there haven't been clear enough consequences for those members of the workforce who haven't behaved as they should. Every year, the festival sends out a comprehensive overview of their expectations of the volunteers but unfortunately I have felt that while some members of the workforce have been spoken to about not turning up to shifts, or turning up and not pulling their weight, or behaving loudly or inappropriately in public while representing the workforce or while staying on the campsite, others haven't and there isn't enough clarity about what happens if the workforce repeatedly fall short of these expectations. I don't think it is fair to the members of the workforce who always show up and give 100%.
Lines of authority not always clear Availability of leaders sometimes problematic Volunteers can sometimes "own " events at expense of newcomers
some people dont read signs and take you for granted, but i enjoy a challenge
Atmosphere being spoilt by intruders,. People trying to get into the site without paying. Rude people. Fortunately these haven't arisen very often.
Getting too old! Having to rely on Festival transort to get to early task. Sometimes have to forgo something I want to attend
Soetimes I can't attend my first choice of gig, and sometimes I seem to get the least popular shifts!
The minibuses were irregular so artists were waiting around for pick up, in realise there are limited resources and this cannot be helped but created a bit of an issue with getting one group out to set up for the next. The timetable meant that you would eat at irregular times as the shift was long. I struggled with handling money but that was because i was ill suited to my role rather than anything else.
Keeping to the programme when artists and teams fail to show. Dealing with bad weather
It's hard to think of any negatives (I could have come up with many more than three positives). The only thing I can think of is that at some events the music is amplified more than necessary.
Some challenging people to work with - but that's what makes it interesting I suppose. Maybe a lack or parity between work involved between different volunteer roles.
Not enough police presence when there is trouble
Can be very hard work Difficulty getting about because of extra traffic and people
Nothing negative but the challenge is maintaining a balance, between doing the task well and enough rest and recovery,.
I really do not have any negative or challenging comments, I belive I was lucky with where I camped as some people in another site were saying about the noise late at night but that did not afect me.
The most challenging thing is the traffic! The negativity of some of the townsfolk is not nice. The hike from the new campsite is a bit of a drain
Driving around the town (for necessity) is stressful. The festival is blamed for things that just happen on Broadstairs seafront (if the pubs who book their own acts were asked to become an organised 'fringe festival', they would have to take responsibility). The town's opinion of the festival is, it is a commercial enterprise, the opposite is true (registered charity relying on volunteers). Venues and pubs' management and staff don't have a clue what the festival is really all about. Early season promo events could help along with town wide distribution of newsletters. Set the record straight.
The decreasing facilities within the town (no bank!) Seemingly unwilling venues participating Campsite seems to be inching further out of town
The workforce tends to dwindle very rapidly on the day of departure leaving a number of tasks to be carried out by the few who remain.
Very occasionally members of the public can be a challenge. But overwhelming most are very nice
Very occasionally having to miss an act because of Workforce commitments
Volunteers not necessarily best suited for the role they are working in.
Late night shift picking people up from town centre can be interesting but in two years we have never had any problems. Most people are great to deal with but you do get a few when nothing is right but that's life.
I've not come across anything negative yet, perhaps this is because I work on the team that suits me best. Some of the other volunteers can be a challenge but no more than in any other job or office environment
Occasionally you miss a good performer because you are working at another venue; but as most guests of folk week perform more than once at various venues it's rare to miss seeing an artist completely; so it's a very small irritation when you do.
Collecting money in pubs Lots of walking
Lack of organisation with respect of picking up cash at the end of the evening.
Sometimes, times working can conflict with social aspects or when bands I like are playing. But given enough time can be re-arranged. Otherwise, pretty easy and enjoyable to work there.
From my experience of working at the Pavilion we could have a supply of adhesive tape for securing cabling down and a designated Fire Marshal in case of emergency.
Physical tiredness, but still good to do
I don't like being in the town late at night as it attracts some people who are only there to make trouble. We are the frontline for complaints.
Depending on which team you are on the hours can be inflexible. That I why the lottery is such a good team to be in. Some locals get annoyed at being asked to buy lottery tickets especially by the end of the week. It’s hard if you cannot commit to all of the days. It would be good if there was an option to do part of the festival.
some confusing aspects of hand-written data base managment re visitor names, numbers, pitches, etc.,
In the evenings, the town can be rather intimidating. Noisy, dirty, crowded and unpleasant. Not all of the revellers are there because of Folk Week, but this must serve as an attraction to local youngsters, resulting in drunken behaviour which is blamed upon folk week: rightly or wrongly. Working in the information centre and box office, complaints about anything from late night noise to the fact that certain events have already sold out all come through the shop, even though we cannot do anything about most of the problems! Broadstairs in the summer is already busy. Restaurants are already at capacity. Parking is already a problem. Folk week just adds another layer of misery to some locals. I am sometimes reluctant to admit that I have any involvement. Although, it's a bit of a giveaway if I am wearing a workforce t shirt at the time.....
People who do not get in the spirit of the event.
Mostly no problems but 2017 some tasks were not set up until the last minute
Nearly all the campsite wardens were cantankerous and forgetful towards some of us minions who were over 20 years old, i.e we were too old to be civil to, by old blokes. The minibus timetables and fouling up of them took precedence over how long we were stuck on gates without loo breaks. In 2017, 2 of us well over 50 were stuck for 2 hrs 45 mins on remote gates without relief for the loos. A driver and also members of th epublic saw me freezing after that time and the driver went to step in, the campers weren't allowed! One snr warden denied that this had happened, and also denied the length of time we were stuck on other schedules, practising favouritism to less experienced kids in their teens. In 2016 and 2017 I noted a warden being a bit obnoxious to artistes with a double bass needing transport, I thought this was unforgivable. Brian the manager can always be a total pillock, but his rudeness never bothers him. So the problem is the wardens being arses to us.
The sad escalation over recent years of minors or young adults being inebriated and causing violence or damage
Occasionally abuse from members of the public
The craft tent can get very hot. It can be very crowded on the sea front. It's a long walk from the campsite. (Minibus not always available)
1. Not having enough time to be able to do some of the things I would like do due to long working hours. Being mainly based at the campsite means that you are out of the action and you can feel isolated in the quieter times,
On Sales you do sometimes get difficult customers that you can't please however you can't let it get to you when so many other people leave happy with their purchase
It is a exhausting week, on the go all the time because you don't want to miss anything
Shop gets crowded at times and smelly by the end of the week.
There is always things which don't go to plan like bands not showing up on time but we have a great team who are great at improvising what ever happens!
Poor weather (e.g. very wet, very hot) can cause grief to lots of people and this can rub off on the workforce. There can be times when it's difficult to fulfil the rota requirements and yet make it to see particular artists. The walk to and from the campsite can be a chore sometimes.
Realising not all people have a similar broad outlook on life as myself. I have found some of their behaviours a challenge.
Some local residents attitudes Drunks in streets
Working with others when they become aggressive (doesn't happen often)
talking about the past, I can't think of any negatives, though when venue changes and Social dancing is cut short - (no longer for the whole week), it will be very sad for me personally. That might be the time to visit some other festivals instead!

If you selected Other, please specify:
I am a morris dancer & performer elsewhere

If you selected Other, please specify:
When I was not on shift, I was either at the Concert Marquee (mostly), Bandstand or the Pavilion to offer my support and assistance if it was required.
I enjoyed the evening events at the school.

Thinking about Broadstairs Folk Week, what is it that is most likely to make you sign up again as a volunteer next year? Please consider all aspects of the festival in your response (including the music, dancing and workshop events)
Worked with a good team at the Pavillion, Martin, Dawn and Becky, Katherine. The ceilidhs were well attended and inclusive of everyone, which was lovely to see.
Sense of community within the workforce. Being able to contribute to the successful running of such an important event to the town. Camping with friends
Catching up with work force friends who do not live in broadstairs Love the music that fills the town
Ongoing contact with friends and fellow volunteers from many years of volunteering. I trust Folk Week to provide excellent dances and entertainment but it's the people I go back to see.
For me, it is the sense of community and purpose that I get from volunteering. The time I get to spend with my friends and meeting new people while helping to put on such a varied and fantastic event is so satisfying for me and makes me very happy.
I have two! 1) We are given choices regarding what we would like to do (which I think is excellent) and I love to stage manage. 2) The volunteers make it that extra special, and the friends you make during the festival. I was made to feel welcome almost immediately during Folk week 2017.
Chance to hear new bands and new things from old bands Chance to sing in folk groups
very likely as the atmosphere is brilliant.
A friendly atmosphere. Opportunities to take part in singarounds and sessions.
My availability, and the chance to catch new music and old friends
I am a big fan of music and had been to the festival in previous years before volunteering. I feel that its a great way to bring the community together and to make a difference introducing new artists and helping musicians progress in their careers. As such I would volunteer again but choose a different role than the one I did.
The chance to see some great artist. To make my contribution to the festival and the town
The fact that every year I enjoy the week so much is what makes me want to sign up again. That is down to a combination of things - the event, the people I work with/socialise with, the pleasure of being at the seaside in a lovely little town like Broadstairs.Also, it is one of the few weeks of the year when I get any exercise to speak of!
Getting back to the crowd of friends and colleagues I enjoy working with.
Meeting new people Music and events Contribution to local community and the festival
Access to venues and opportunity to see and hear things I wouldn't usually hear.
The enjoyment and sense of being part of something amazing ,that makes a difference to the experience of others. The festival is not just the events but all the people.watching them enjoy themselves and being part of the community and all the friends I have made ,are the reason , I will do it again .
The whole experience and the friendliness of all the people I met who are just out to have a good time at whatever their choosen involvment of the festival was.
Everything about it - there isn't one defining 'moment' anymore. I used to enjoy the workshops and dancing but quite honestly, don't get the time to do them now, it's more about the actual workings of the festival. At a push, it would be between meeting all the wonderful people I've met over the years and the wish to contribute to making the festival what it is.
It is fun, you're part of something that brings euphoria to many. It's a challenge Holiday that rewards you the harder you work.
THe same as every year - helping out others and feeling part of something positive and creative
I have retired from the workforce 2017 being the last year. At the age of 71 I would like to concentrate more on resting and getting to see more of the events. I will still be participating in morris dancing.
I like the aspect of being involved with the running of the festival.
I feel a duty to volunteer with the festival. I'm not sure there's anything that will incentivise me more than duty!!
The festival has a great holiday atmosphere and we like meeting people, seeing artists, and attending some of the diverse workshops which the organisers provide.
Knowing I can work for the same team as last year and also keeping things fresh by being given the opportunity to grow within my role, as I enjoy it immensely
Broadstairs Folk week is a highlight of the year for me. I look forward to it and therefore it's a permanent fixture in my diary. Volunteers are well supported by the organisers, and the way they lay on the tee shirts and duty rota for collection on arrival shows how professionally competent they are at organising volunteers to get the best out of them, let alone the effort it must take to book the artists and venues, and plan the weeks activities from beginning to end. Broadstairs is a picturesque seaside town that comes alive during folk week. It is the perfect place to hold a folk festival. It's no coincidence that the best folk festivals are located in seaside towns.
I have the opportunity to dance with two sides, and also being able to take part in sessions. Having my family around me.
The happy atmosphere in the town, the music and enjoyment in doing something to help others.
The atmosphere and the community. I've made new friends that I see every year at Broadstairs Folk Week and it has become an event I look forward to every year to attend.
I have already volunteered for the 2018 Folk Week/
To be part of the Folk Week community - a strong sense of belonging
If I could reduce the days needed so that I could increase my involvement of playing with the local bands/choirs I belong to.I would happily take a less valued events tickets e.g. a day ticket per days worked.
My biggest motivation to volunteer is to spend time with family and friends. In addition late night ceilidhs and campsite facilities and atmosphere are a big draw.
Have been volunteering for a number of years and would wish to continue to volunteer as long a I feel I can make a valuable contribution to the event - love to participate in eveything
Having volunteered for 5 years, I have now seen most of the acts, and participated in most of the workshops that I might have expected to attend. Of course, if a favourite band were to re-appear at the festival, I might go to see them again, but overall I don't feel like there is much new or different from one year to the next now. My main reason for volunteering now is to feel like I am a small but functioning cog in the mighty engine of people who drive folk week along.
To have been among friendly, positive people. If I had been allocated the same role as last year as I enjoyed the role. Knowing that venues are more or less the same presentation to save time moving around.
Contributing to a festival that I always enjoy
I intend to do so every year until I'm no longer capable.
Not a lot, the thought of being outdoors with unpleasant campsite wardens for bosses turns my stomach.
I've voluntered since approx 2004 and would always do so. It is part of my life living and working in Broadstairs.
I have been volunteering for a number of years and there is no reason for this to change next year. A greal overall experience is what keeps me coming back which includes all the diversity the festival offers people
to be apart of the festival again and to spend a week with friends dancing and listening to music
As long as I contribute to the Festival and am of some value to the team I will continue to volunteer. As soon as BFW has finished, my sister and I are looking forward to the next Festival.
Being able to access the wide range of events (concerts,workshops) that are on offer at Broadstairs folk week. Meeting up with friends that I have made in previous years while volunteering at the festival. Knowing that I have an impact on the festival by volunteering for the workforce as without them the festival could not be a success.
Contribution to the festival. Reunion of friends, music, habit, obligation
I really love the access that volunteering with Folk Week gives me to the events that they put on the the ease with what I attend - I don't have to worry about buying tickets which is good if I decide to go to something on a whim or change my mind. However a lot of my family and friends volunteer with folk week as well so that does have a big impact on the fact that I apply to volunteer
The enjoyment I get from meeting all the people from the locals to everyone attending folk week is unmeasureable, we are all there to enjoy everything about folk week, there is always something to see or do
I love working at BFW it is so rewarding and fun and it has been part of my life for so many years.
I'll always sign up, I have such a fantastic time every year. Just seeing friends and having a good time and working hard.
Secure indoor storage for musical instruments. Good campsite facilities
Unless something urgent comes up in my life that stops me signing up for BFW, I will sign up just because it's BFW. I love it all!
I would consider volunteering next year because I enjoy hearing non mainstream music and dancing events.
Enjoy being part of it- large feature of summer holiday
Being able to spend a week amongst friends, participating in a variety of volunteering, problem solving, helping others and also attending concerts, dances and workshops by the seaside
Opportunity to live in my family home, forget my current, living conditions and play music and dance every day.

Is there anything that puts you off from volunteering next year?
I think people need to respect notices that are put up, when soundchecks etc are being carried out. Also on the last dat for all the workshop performances needs to be arranged better as there were a few prima donnas that wanted special treatment.
Some people got really stroppy when the venue was full
The only thing that puts me off is there not being a clear set of consequences for members of the workforce who don't pull their weight or behave appropriately. I feel it should be the same across the workforce and that everyone should appreciate the opportunity of getting to volunteer. It isn't fair on members of the workforce who consistently work hard and behave respectfully if those who don't aren't spoken to or feel any sense of consequence for their actions.
Only if I move a long way out of the area.
I'm looking for work, so availability, and the walk to the venues from the camp site!
The environment and atmosphere as although it is a fantastic opportunity it can get quite rowdy and busy at times which makes it harder to get to and from the campsite, that at times made me nervous.
As I am getting older, I have to consider the fact that one day I will be too old to enjoy it so much, especially the dance events.
... only the thought of giving up a precious annual leave week to do it.
dancing and seeing showsno none i enjoy the company
Just maybe my age and sleeping in a tent as I get older.
Not personally but I have heard people say that it is tough to take a week off their day job.
I have a new job so I won’t be able to next year. Otherwise I would.
I can't think of anything at the moment but, as next years festival is 16 months away one never knows.
I feel a duty to volunteer - this works both ways, I have a love hate relationship with it. I never want to volunteer I just do because I feel guilty otherwise.
I sometimes have to miss music / events because my work with Folk Week puts me somewhere else, but that's part of the deal that you accept
We are getting more involved with playing in our bands during folkweek which we are starting to miss out on because of our commitments to volunteering.
If the campsite facilities are not as good as previous.
I am now involved with a couple of bands who will be playing or busking or who may possibly be involved with running workshops at the festival. Working at the festival cuts into the time that I can devote to playing, but in the first couple of years, the trade off of free admissions and camping were worth the volunteering time. More recently, I don't feel that I derive so much benefit from the free incentives. I might prefer to attend just as a normal festival visitor, and pay for a few selected events or activities.
If people, persons are not able to work together as this causes comfortableness in the group.
Yes, not having Charles Dickens school. Sidmouth is better prepared for the outdoors. Also, maybe having a female warden would make a difference. The males all gang up, that's what blokes do.
Doing the same job as I feel I need a change and a new perspective, long hours
Last year I worked as well as volunteered and I was shattered the majority of the week and therefore unable to enjoy things that I usually would. But that was my fault for taking on too much rather than Folk Week haha
If there are no indoor facilities on campsite and it is even further away from town and other venues
Last year we volunteered quite late and worked on the campsite team. I found it particularly boring and tiring, which stopped me from attending the events I wanted to.

In which year (approximately) did you first volunteer at Broadstairs Folk Week?
probably about 10 years ago - can't remember

If yes, approximately how old were you when you first attended?
Since I was born - my Dad is a Morris Dancer at the festival

If you have any additional comments about Broadstairs Folk Week please share them in the box below:
Its such a wonderful festival to attend and to be apart of. You can meet so many people from all backgrounds and from across the UK and even further!
Make it a few days longer. More associated events at other times of the year.
Strongly positive influence on Broadstairs
BFW is an asset to Broadstairs long may it carry on
There is a downside to BFW in that it appears to attract large numbers of heavy drinking young people, which can cause a nuisance. I haven't been to Broadstairs when Folk Week is NOT on, but I don't think it is as busy or rowdy.
I think it’s a very positive and welcome event for the community of Broadstairs. I love it.
It is a good compact festival with good ammenities
I travelled to volunteer so unable to comment on the above.
It's the highlight of our year - can't wait for it to come around
Support the festival, rally the town and get a general consensus. If everyone sings from the same page, a harmonious event will ensue. Flush out misconceptions some have.
Folk Week has definitely changed since I started attending. The town seems somewhat less welcoming - possibly due to being more run-down. A number of my favourite venues are no longer taking part. This year we won't have anything at the School either, so it's concerning that the festival is geting squeezed out a bit, limiting artistic choices. But the usual great bunch of people keep trying hard in the face of (eemingly) a festival every weekend in the summer (too many, in my opinion, in roughly the same area of the country). But many of these things are beyond our control.
The camping facilities this year are not clear and yet further away from the town. The available area for camping would appear to be less than before. We hope that this will not have a negative impact on the festival
I think Folk Week brings a touch of vitality and colour to the town.
BFW is an asset to the community in many ways and long may it continue
It's probably the best folk week available in the world.
I feel folk week has immediate impacts but it’s not long lasting - due in part lack of funding to build folk traditions all year round
It brings people together to celebrate in Amazing music and the arts and crafts .It is a lovely event for all ages and all interests
The social and cultural impact exceeds just Broadstairs. New ties and bonds are made between musicians/dancers/attendees that can extend to different festivals in other parts of the country.
There is a lot of work that goes into keeping the streets safe and clean during followed and this must remain a priority.
We enjoy our time at BFW as volunteers and participants and would not want to miss this yearly treat - however, we are aware that not everyone in the town loves it as much as we do
I believe that it would be beneficial if only Folk Music was allowed in all venues to enable genuine folk fans to enjoy the evenings as this is commandeered by young people with thier music,which comes across as intimidating sometimes.
I hope it continues to thrive and be a success in the future. The format of it might change over time as most things in life do, essentially it should remain in the town using the open spaces available ie:- Balmoral Gardens, The Bandstand, Peirmont Park. It is a shame however that the campsite position is moving further & further out of town.
The only negative thing is the people who do not partake in the festival itself but go out to the pubs for a night out and get silly and aggressive !
Taking part in the workforce team has been by far, the best experience of my life. Also I am now very eclectic in my views of entertainment, because of the various forms of music,dance,etc.,
Broadstairs folk week is a long standing tradition in Broadstairs which has a positive impact on the local community bring people into the area who wouldn’t normally have visited, many of who often come back outside of folk week, which brings in money for the local businesses.
Some people may not like the crowds in their town. I like the fact it is throughout the town and not contained in a field. I like the variety of performers particularly young or new.
I love Broadstairs folk week but am finding volunteering hard with ongoing changing life pressures
Broadstairs in August is all about Folk Week. In fact you only have to mention BFW to people who live locally and most of them love it.
It brings so much money in to the town and brings the whole community together. Broadstairs wouldnt be the same without it!
The atmosphere in the town during BFW seems to be excellent. Though I don't know the town at any other time, it appears to me that the folk audience is an asset to the town with few negatives.
I would like to run a Flemish Dance Workshop.
Provided full week's of dancing/workshop continues (after this year) I hope to bring my little grandson in a few year's time, seeing how much enjoyment the children have in activities provided for them.

If yes, please say which sector (e.g. arts, health, environment, homeless, refugees, sport, international development etc.)
local Museum, Local green garden waste managment, local folk club, local Morris side, local school,