Get involved with the North East’s biggest Fringe Festival

We are now recruiting volunteers to join us at the 2026 Durham Fringe Festival which takes place between Wednesday 29 July and Sunday 2 August. This is our 6th and biggest Durham Fringe yet! We expect to have around 140 different shows putting on close to 300 performances! Help us bring to life an unforgettable week of world-class performing arts right here in Durham City.

Find out everything you need to know about volunteering with us on this page, or jump straight to the role descriptions.

We are now recruiting volunteers to join us at the 2026 Durham Fringe Festival which takes place between Wednesday 29 July and Sunday 2 August. This is our 6th and biggest Durham Fringe yet! We expect to have around 140 different shows putting on close to 300 performances! Help us bring to life an unforgettable week of world-class performing arts right here in Durham City.

Find out everything you need to know about volunteering with us on this page, or jump straight to the role descriptions.

See shows for free!

As a volunteer, you'll get a free pass to see as many shows as you like during Durham Fringe (pass allows you to enter any show that is not sold out). Explore the Arts scene. Get to see new, up and coming and exciting performers before they become household names.

Meet new people

Many friendships have been formed in those purple volunteer t-shirts! In 2025 our volunteer survey showed socialising was people’s favourite part of volunteering at the Fringe.

Build skills

Gain valuable skills and experience to help you into employment. This includes soft, transferable skills which support you across all career paths, or hone in on specific skills relating to performing arts, live events, and hospitality.

Give back to your community

By getting involved, you’re supporting a not-for-profit volunteer-led organisation in Durham. You can read more about our impact in 2025 here.

When and where does Durham Fringe happen?

The Festival takes place over 5 days between Wednesday 29 July and Sunday 2 August 2026. We have 11 venues across Durham City, all within 15 minutes walking distance from each other. In addition to performance days, Get In days (preparing venues, rigging, and technical preparations) will take place Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 July 2026. Get Out (dismantling and clearing venues) will happen on Monday 3 August. Get In and Get Out days also offer volunteering opportunities, particularly for those interested in supporting as technicians.

How long do I volunteer for?

You will be required to attend one two-hour training session in July (dates in our registration form). We then ask you to volunteer a minimum of two days during the five day festival.

Once at the festival, you may be offered shifts ranging from 6 to 12 hours, depending on your role, availability, and venue allocation. Volunteers will always be offered time to rest, get refreshments, and go see other shows. Time on site can be long but your wellbeing and enjoyment is our priority. You will be supported by a Venue Lead Volunteer, our Volunteer Coordinator, Festival Manager and Festival Director.

How do I know if I’m suitable to be a volunteer?

You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience to volunteer at Durham Fringe. The opportunity is open to anyone who wants to get involved. That being said, if you have any previous experience, in particular if you’d like to be one of our technicians, be sure to let us know when you register.

You must be aged 16 or over to volunteer. We may consider registrations from people aged under 16 but this is decided on a case by case basis. Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Do you cover transport and refreshments costs?

Over the last couple of years, we have successfully fundraised to allow us to give out volunteer subsidies (a small monetary contribution to help cover transport/food). We can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to give out volunteer subsidies in 2026 but we are currently in the process of sourcing this funding …so fingers crossed!

As a volunteer-led festival, we rely on our team of volunteers to help bring the Durham Fringe to life each year. We have two main volunteer roles - General Volunteers and Volunteer Technicians. Learn about what's involved with these roles.