Working With Us

Real Living Wage

All the Festivals Edinburgh members pay at least the real Living Wage, and have a code of practice on volunteering developed with Volunteer Edinburgh. Further information on the Real Living Wage is available in our 2030 Festival City Vision. 

Equalities, diversity and inclusion

Festivals Edinburgh is committed to equal, fair and proper employment opportunities. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, in particular Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic and disabled candidates.

Environmental Sustainability

Festivals want to ensure that all those working or volunteering with the Festivals are aware of how and why environmental sustainability is important, and how the Festivals are working to embed sustainable practices in their work. You can find out more about the Festivals approaches to environmental sustainability here.  

With so many roles there are many different contract types:

Temporary or Seasonal

Both temporary and seasonal jobs are temporary in nature, the main difference is that temporary jobs have a specific end date or duration, while seasonal jobs are only available during a specific time of the year.

• A temporary role is one that has a specific end date or duration, and is usually done to fill a short-term need at a festival.
• A seasonal role is one that is only available during a specific time of the year - normally coinciding with the festival taking place.

Entry or Managerial

The main difference between these two types of jobs is the level of responsibility and decision-making authority. Entry-level jobs typically involve following established procedures and protocols, while managerial roles require the ability to make decisions and lead others towards achieving specific goals.

• An entry-level job is typically a position that requires little to no prior experience or specialised knowledge. These positions are usually geared towards people entering the workforce for the first time after school, college or university, or after a change of career direction.
• A managerial job requires more experience and specialised knowledge. Managers are responsible for overseeing teams and making important decisions

PAYE Job or freelance or contractor

• A PAYE (Pay As You Earn) job refers to a position where an employee is hired by a festival and receives a regular salary or wage. The employer deducts taxes and other contributions from the employee's pay in line with the Government’s Pay As You Earn system and the employee is entitled to benefits such as holiday pay, sick leave, and pension contributions.
• A freelancer is self-employed and works on a project basis for different clients. Freelancers are responsible for their own taxes, national insurance contributions, and other business expenses.
• A contractor is similar to a freelancer in that they are self-employed and work on a project basis for clients. However, contractors typically work on larger, more complex projects and may have a team of employees or subcontractors working with them.

Full-time or Part-time

• A full-time job is a position in which an employee works a typical 37.5- 40 hour week, on set working days. The exact number of hours per week may vary by festival, but generally, a full-time job requires a significant time commitment.
• A part-time job is a position in which an employee works fewer hours than a full-time employee. Typically, part-time jobs require anywhere from a few hours to 30 hours per week.

Events and festivals look for a variety of skills in their workforce depending on the type and size of the event.

However, some common skills that are highly valued by event and festival organisers include:

• Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and attendees is crucial in event management. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for this.
• Organisational skills: Event staff need to be highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. Attention to detail is critical in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
• Time management skills: The ability to manage time effectively is essential in event management, as there are often tight deadlines to meet.
• Creativity: The ability to come up with innovative and original ideas is highly valued in event management. Event staff need to be able to think outside the box and create unique experiences for attendees.
• Problem-solving skills: Event staff must be able to think on their feet and solve problems quickly and effectively. This skill is essential in managing unexpected challenges that may arise during the event.
• Interpersonal skills: Event staff need to be able to work effectively with others, including team members, vendors, and attendees. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for building relationships and ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goal.
• Understanding of environmental sustainability: The Edinburgh Festivals are committed to working in ways which consider and tackle our environmental impact. Training will be provided, but being able to demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of working with environmentally sustainability is valued by our members. 
• Technical skills: Depending on the nature of the event, technical skills may be required, such as knowledge of sound and lighting equipment or experience with digital marketing.
• Customer service skills: Event staff need to be able to provide excellent customer service to attendees, vendors, and other stakeholders. This requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle difficult situations professionally.

Overall, event and festival organisers look for individuals who are highly motivated, flexible, and able to work well under pressure. They also value individuals who are passionate about the event industry and have a strong desire to create memorable experiences for attendees.

There are many roles at managerial and entry level across the festivals.These range from permanent to seasonal and from skilled to learn on the job. There are many marketing and communications jobs that someone can get at a festival. Here are a few examples:

1. Marketing Manager - responsible for developing and implementing the festival's marketing strategy, overseeing advertising and promotional campaigns, and managing social media accounts.
2. Communications Coordinator - responsible for managing the festival's communications channels, such as email newsletters, press releases, and media relations.
3. Digital Marketing Specialist - responsible for developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns, managing social media accounts, and analysing digital marketing reach.
4. Event Coordinator - responsible for organising and coordinating festival events, overseeing logistics and scheduling, and communicating with venues and performers.
5. Sponsorship Coordinator - responsible for securing sponsorships and partnerships for the festival, developing sponsorship proposals, and managing sponsor relationships.
6. Public Relations Manager - responsible for managing the festival's public image, developing and executing public relations strategies, and coordinating press coverage.
7. Graphic Designer - responsible for designing festival promotional materials, such as posters, flyers, and brochures.
8. Content Creator - responsible for creating engaging content for the festival's website and social media channels, such as blog posts, videos, and photos.

These are just a few examples of the many marketing and communications jobs available at a festival in Edinburgh. Sponsorship and Fundraising roles (sometimes called Development roles) are vital to several festivals, and dependent on the scale of the festival, may have their own dedicated teams outwith Marketing and Communications. Depending on the size and scope of the festival, there may be many other roles available as well.

There are many roles at managerial and entry level across the festivals.These range from permanent to seasonal and from skilled to learn on the job. There are several technical jobs that someone can get at a festival, depending on their skills and experience.

Here are some examples:

1. Sound Engineer: A sound engineer is responsible for setting up and managing the sound system for the festival. They work with performers to ensure that the sound quality is optimal and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
2. Lighting Technician: A lighting technician is responsible for setting up and often operating the lighting for the festival. They work closely with directors and designers to create the desired atmosphere and mood for each performance.
3. Stage Manager: A stage manager is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the performance, including sound, lighting, and stage setup. They work closely with performers to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
4. Audio-visual Technician: An audio-visual technician is responsible for setting up and managing the audio and visual equipment for the festival. They work closely with companies to ensure that their equipment is functioning properly and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
5. Production Assistant: A production assistant provides support to the festival production team. They may help with stage setup, equipment transport, or other tasks as needed.
6. Security Technician: A security technician is responsible for managing the festival's security systems, including cameras and alarms. They work with security personnel to ensure the safety of festival attendees.
7. Information Technology (IT) Technician: An IT technician is responsible for managing the festival's computer systems, including network infrastructure and software applications. They work with festival organisers to ensure that all technology needs are met.

These are just a few examples of the technical jobs available at a festival. Other possible roles include rigging technicians, video technicians, and special effects technicians, among others.

There are many roles at managerial and entry level across the festivals. These range from permanent to seasonal and from skilled to learn on the job. There are a variety of industry-facing jobs that someone can get at a festival in Edinburgh. Here are a few examples:

1. Volunteer Coordination: Many festivals work with volunteers to help with various tasks, so volunteer coordination roles are common. These may include positions such as Volunteer Coordinators or Volunteer Managers.
2. Delegate Coordinator - This role involves coordinating delegate registration, managing delegate information, and providing support for delegates throughout the festival.
3. Hospitality Coordinator - This role involves coordinating the hospitality aspect of the festival, including managing performer accommodation, organising meals and refreshments, and ensuring the comfort and well-being of festival guests.
4. Sponsorship Coordinator - This role involves coordinating sponsorship arrangements for the festival, including managing sponsor relationships.
5. Artist Liaison Coordinator - This role involves coordinating the participation of artists in the festival, including managing artist contracts, arranging travel and accommodation, and providing support for artists throughout the festival.
6. Concert Manager - to deliver activities in music venues , including rehearsals, concerts, broadcasts, load-ins and load-outs.
7. Concert Assistant - to act as a point of contact for festival staff e.g. Head of Music and day-to-day liaison with resident venue staff e.g. General Manager.

There are many roles at managerial and entry level across the festivals. These range from permanent to seasonal and from skilled to learn on the job.There are several front of house jobs that someone can get at a festival. Here are some examples:

1. Box Office Staff: Box office staff are responsible for selling tickets and providing information to festival attendees. They also need to have knowledge about the festival programme and the venue.
2. Ushers: Ushers are responsible for guiding festival-goers to their seats and ensuring they have a comfortable and safe experience. They may also be responsible for checking tickets, managing the queue and answering questions about the event.
3. Customer Service Representatives: Customer service representatives are responsible for addressing any complaints, questions, or issues that festival attendees may have. This could include handling lost and found items, providing directions or assisting with accessibility requirements.
4. Merchandise Sales Staff: Merchandise sales staff are responsible for selling festival merchandise such as t-shirts, posters, or other souvenirs. They may also be responsible for managing the inventory and restocking the items when needed.
5. Bar Staff: Bar staff are responsible for serving drinks to festival-goers, checking IDs, and managing the bar area. They may also be responsible for handling cash, credit card transactions, and ensuring the area is clean and tidy.
6. Food Vendors: Food vendors are responsible for preparing and serving food to festival-goers. They may also be responsible for managing the inventory, handling cash and credit card transactions, and ensuring the area is clean and tidy.

These are just a few examples of the front of house jobs available at festivals in Edinburgh. The specific jobs available may vary depending on the type of festival.

With Edinburgh's Festivals taking place throughout the year recruitment varies between the different events. New roles are advertised here and on the individual festival websites.

Below is an indicative calendar of when the different festivals tend to recruit for roles. Put the dates in your diary and check out the recruitment pages for opportunities.

With the support of the Edinburgh International Festival, a compact selection of films will be presented under the EIFF banner in August 2023, complementing the International Festival’s programme of world-class performing arts. Planning for future editions of EIFF is currently being led by Screen Scotland. We will update the indicative recruitment calendar when plans are confirmed.

We spoke with Kirsty Fraser, Artist Development Manager at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society about working at the festival.

Hi Kirsty, thankyou for your time. Please can you tell us about how long you have been in your current role?

I am the Artist Development Manager at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, I've been in this role since the end of September 2022, but have worked with the Fringe Society in various roles since 2019.

Can you tell us a bit more about your current role?

The Artist Development Team support artists in their professional development before, during and after the Fringe. I manage the services that we offer, which include Fringe Connect, Fringe Central, 1:1 meetings, events and resources, the Emerging Producers Development Programme and also the Made in Scotland Showcase. In a nutshell, I provide next step guidance for artists coming to the Fringe!

What previous roles have you had with festivals in Edinburgh?

Artist Development Assistant, Edinburgh Fringe, 2019, Seasonal (6 weeks over the Fringe)
Artist Development Officer, Edinburgh Fringe, 2020, Temporary (7 month contract)
Participant Services Assistant, Edinburgh Fringe, 2021, Seasonal (8 weeks over the Fringe)
Artist Development Officer, Edinburgh Fringe, March 2022, Permanent
Artist Development Manager, Edinburgh Fringe, September 2022, Permanent

What did you particularly like about working in those roles?

The best thing about all of these roles was the opportunity to speak with lots of different artists, hear about their Fringe experience and support them in any way that I could. I thoroughly enjoyed learning why people had chosen to come to the Fringe, and what their ambitions were beyond the festival. There is a lot going on in Edinburgh during August and it can be quite difficult for artists to navigate, so being in a position where I could guide and support them through the month felt really rewarding.

What were the benefits of working in those roles when you applied for other jobs at the festivals?

The main benefit when applying for future roles at the Fringe was that I better understood the inner workings of the Fringe Society, and was also familiar with their application process. However, each role was still very competitive, so it was important for me to have other experiences within the sector that I could bring into these roles. Seasonal contracts generally in the sector are recognised as being fast paced and intense with lots of quick learning, so having done a seasonal festival contract is very attractive on a CV (in my opinion).

What are some of the challenges of working in temporary/ seasonal roles and how did you overcame these?

The main challenge for me was trying to secure the next job whilst also working an intense seasonal job. I overcame this by being very open with my manager about my work goals and ambitions. This was beneficial as it meant that they could support me in making the most of the seasonal role, whilst also supporting me with future applications. For example, they would send me any roles/opportunities that they had come across that they felt would be suitable for me, and were also able to help me with hitting application deadlines by letting me amend my working hours accordingly and providing a reference when needed.

Would you recommend working with the festivals, and why?

I would 100% recommend working with the festivals, even if just for a short time. The amount you learn in a short, seasonal contract is incredible and can really help you to get to that next step in your career. You also meet a lot of people who are either in the same position as you, or are doing the work you want to be doing so it is a great opportunity to network, build connections and ask your questions!

Any top tips you would give to people thinking of working with the festivals?

Do it! It can feel a bit daunting to take a short contract but if it is in the area of work that you want to be in, then it can be really beneficial and rewarding. If you have a full-time/permanent job and you are swithering about applying for a seasonal job at a festival - definitely speak to your employer about it. On two or three separate occasions, I left my permanent job to do a 6-week seasonal contract, and my permanent job was held for me to return to afterwards. Your employer might say no or may not be able to be that flexible, but it is definitely worth asking and having a conversation about the options.

Thankyou for your time and all the best for the festival this year!

Interview from May 2023

We spoke with Catherine Smith, Audience Services Manager at Edinburgh International Book Festival, about the different festival jobs that led to her current role.

Hi Catherine, thankyou for joining us. Please can you tell us about how long you have been in your current role?

I’ve had a permanent role with the Edinburgh International Book Festival since 2017, though my role/job description changed in 2019. I have been the Audience Services Manager, since 2019 and prior to that held the position of Box Office and Operations Manager from 2017 to 2019.

Can you tell us a bit more about your current role?

I manage the Box Office, Access, Digital Events Chat Moderators and FOH teams. This involves looking after around 50 temporary staff every summer, including recruitment and training. I also ensure the events are built in our ticketing system, and work closely with our website developers to ensure these systems run smoothly and events are on sale to the public.

I’m also the Green Champion for the Book Festival, with responsibility for our annual environmental reporting, and lead our green team. I also sit on the cross-Festivals Environmental Sustainability Working Group, and the Green Arts Steering Group.

What previous roles have you had with festivals in Edinburgh?

Prior to my current role at Edinburgh International Book Festival I had the temporary role of Box Office Manager at the festival.

I worked with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in three different departments: on the printed Fringe programme and database for show listings; the Fringe Box Office; and running Fringe Central (the Fringe Society’s venue during August, used for professional development events and as an artist/participant hub).

These roles included: Marketing and Publications Coordinator, Fringe Central and Events Manager, Programme Production Coordinator, Publications Coordinator, Fringe Central and Events Deputy Manager, Box Office Supervisor and Programme Production Assistant.

I also worked as a temporary Box Office Sales Assistant for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for three years.

I also found my jobs outwith the festivals really helped when applying for roles. I was casual Stage Crew at the Playhouse, worked a Box Office Assistant for Botanic Gardens Nights. When I was a student I was Fringe Venue Manager for the Bedlam Theatre (Edinburgh University Theatre Company).

Keeping an open mind about the type of role you are aiming for is really helpful as you never know where a career in events and festivals might take you.

What did you particularly like about working in those roles?

Temporary roles are always a new challenge, and can be very fast-paced as contracts often start immediately before very busy periods. I was always learning new skills (such as learning how to drive a van around the Old Town or how to trouble-shoot a ticket printer) and meeting new people who were also passionate about the same things as me. Some roles were very hands on, through sometimes physically exhausting, I enjoyed not exclusively being office or desk-based. Often there is scope to do things in a new way and try out new ideas. Overall, I felt like I had a lot of freedom to pick the roles I’d enjoy doing or would develop my skills further.

I’ve also always loved the Edinburgh festivals, and it can be very exhilarating working on a festival site or in a venue, especially during August – as you literally never know who you will run into next. Nothing beats that feeling of seeing what goes on behind the scenes. Often you are focused on finding solutions, overcoming seemingly impossible challenges and ultimately delivering a festival/printed programme etc, so there is real sense of achievement when it all comes together. The joy people get from the festivals is also tangible, whether they’re audiences or participants. And of course, there’s always lots of opportunities to go to events and have some great nights out after all the hard work.

What were the benefits of working in those roles when you applied for other jobs at the festivals?

Working in different roles allowed me to develop work experience that was directly relevant to each new role. Plus I had a good understanding of the kinds of roles available, when/how and who was likely to advertise. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of other temp staff which can be an extremely important personal network - I’ve worked with some of the same people at the Fringe, Hogmanay and the Book Festival for example. I also developed an understanding of the relationship between the city and the Festivals, what sorts of things are required and how things generally work.

Would you recommend working with the festivals, and why?

Absolutely! It can be a lot of fun and very rewarding. Plus you get to work with some amazing people, often in high pressure environments which can create a truly incredible sense of teamwork. I loved the variety of roles, and the constant troubleshooting and problem-solving that they involved. Each year was different and constantly evolving, with new challenges and opportunities.

What are some of the challenges of working in temporary/ seasonal roles and how did you overcame these?

It’s not always easy financially – seasonal workers need to be disciplined with personal budgets and save for periods in-between contracts. Seasonal workers also need to get up to speed very quickly as they are frequently starting when the festival team is entering its busiest time of year. The shock when a festival ends can be quite hard to deal with too!

Any top tips you would give to people thinking of working with the festivals?

Be open-minded about what roles you’ll do – you never know where they might lead. All experience is good experience, and sometimes you will need to start with an entry-level role at an organisation. Practical experience is very valuable, and do not underestimate the importance of making contacts and knowing how the Festivals, Edinburgh venues and the arts industry etc work year-round.

Having a can-do attitude, willingness to learn and being able to work in a team is usually central to most roles. Being passionate about what you’re doing helps with the sometimes long hours and intensity, and being kind to everyone you meet makes everyone’s lives easier. Working for the Festivals should be ultimately be a lot of fun, even if there are moments of pressure, so make sure that at the end of the day you’re still loving what you are doing.

Thank you for your time and all the best for the festival this year!

Interview from May 2023