MyMiltonKeynes invites volunteers to pledge their time to IF: Milton Keynes

Volunteers are still being invited to give up their time for one of the most innovative events in the city calendar – IF: Milton Keynes International Festival – which runs between 21 and 30 July.

As the Volunteer Partner for IF, MyMiltonKeynes is paying tribute to the 200 people who have already pledged their time and calling for more to join their ranks and support the festival which will include live music, large-scale outdoor events, circus shows, comedy, cabaret, installations, and free family activities.

Engaging over a million people since its launch in 2010, the biennial International Festival, founded and produced by The Stables, takes place in locations across Milton Keynes.

Alongside the traditional role of checking tickets and helping visitors find their way around the Festival sites, volunteers can support the Festival across an eclectic range of opportunities. From supporting artists backstage to pulling a pint or even helping the technical team stage some of the events.

People are also being called to help create a ‘hanging garden’ in Middleton Hall. A visually stunning installation called The Place Between will be created by artist Rebecca Louise Law, with soundscapes by Jason Singh, will invite visitors to explore their connection with Earth, each other and how they work with others to contribute to the cycle of life. For this, anyone can donate flowers between now and July 12 for use in the installation and also take part, supporting the artist to wire and sew over 200,000 flowers into strands.

Melanie Beck MBE, Chief Executive at MyMiltonKeynes said: “We are immensely proud to once again be the Volunteer Partner for this amazing event which highlights some incredible and innovative concepts, installations, and thought-provoking pieces. The volunteers who give up their time are an integral part of making this event such a success, and they are also a testament to the community spirit and can do attitude of the people of Milton Keynes.”

Volunteering at the Festival is open to people of all backgrounds and abilities as long as they’re aged 16 and over. For more information go to: https://ifmiltonkeynes.org/volunteers

Past volunteers have said: “It was a fantastic experience. I loved the opportunity to contribute to some cutting-edge art and culture right on my doorstep.”

“What a great sense of camaraderie. Everyone involved was genuinely friendly and helpful, and looked out for each other.

Festival Director Monica Ferguson said: “Volunteers are the friendly face of the Festival, providing a vital support network for everyone involved. We have a cohort of volunteers who come back to support each festival as they enjoy the experience so much and have made lifelong friends.”

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Photo credit: Shaun Armstrong