Chelsea Fringe 2014 organisers are sending out a call for volunteers to help co-ordinate this year’s exciting alternative gardening festival.

The Chelsea Fringe Festival (17th May-8th June 2014) is primarily based in London, but includes events from across the UK and beyond. Run entirely by volunteers, this open -access platform showcases all kinds of projects from guerrilla gardening to community-growing initiatives; botanical art collaborations to spontaneous performance happenings.

The Fringe Projects, Marketing, PR and Events teams are looking for helpers to bring some of the varied projects, which make up the festival, to fruition. Volunteers will work alongside district teams and have the opportunity to share their skills with a growing network of contacts and Fringe Festival supporters.

Anyone interested should contact [email protected]

Some FAQs :

1. What does volunteering at The Chelsea Fringe Festival involve?

Chelsea Fringe Project Coordinators act as the main Fringe Festival contacts for horticultural event organisers and designers who are aiming to get their projects off the ground. Coordinators facilitate the projects, whilst also monitoring their progress and reporting back to Chelsea Fringe HQ. All volunteers are also expected to attend, when possible,committee meetings, update internal databases and regularly meet up with relevant district, marketing or PR teams.

2. How much time will I need to dedicate to the volunteer role?

Project Coordinators, marketing or PR volunteers are expected to spend on average 2 - 4 hours per week working on their projects.

3. Who can I contact if I need help?

There are eight district teams covering London and satellite festivals who will be the first point of contact and source of support. There are also specialist marketing, finance and PR teams on hand to help.

4. How do I decide which events I am working on?

Each district team distributes all project enquiries equally in that area among their active team.

5. How do I keep up to date with everything that is going on with the Chelsea Fringe?

There is an internal project database, regular district and committee meetings and updates to make volunteers aware of all that is happening. The website www.chelseafringe.com is also re-launching soon for the 2014 Festival.

6. I am not very good on the computer/email- can I still help?

There are lots of roles for helpers at the Chelsea Fringe Festival including supporting “friends”events nights or joining the marketing “seedmobbers”!

7. Do I have to be a gardener to help with the Chelsea Fringe?

No - a love of working with people and helping them bring their ideas to life and watching the public enjoy new green spaces are all that is required!

8. What costs might I incur?

Journey costs might be incurred visiting projects, events or meetings- unfortunately Chelsea Fringe cannot cover these cost as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company.

9. What if I live outside London?

The Chelsea Fringe Festival concept is growing and there are currently satellite festival teams needing new volunteers operating in Brighton, Bristol, Kent and Vienna!

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