Lowestoft’s First Light Festival have announced a final callout for people to volunteer at this year’s free festival, which will take place Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June.

This year, organisers are aiming to recruit an ambitious 150 volunteers over the midsummer weekend, and are asking for those who are able to give 2 or more hours on either the Saturday or Sunday to get involved. The festival’s Volunteers Coordinator, Helen Dingle, says; “First Light wouldn’t be possible without the support of our 100+ volunteers each year and we are incredibly grateful to those that give back some of their time to make this event a success. We have a great variety of roles available, so whether you’d like to learn new skills, meet new people or celebrate our brilliant town, we’ll be able to find something for you.”

First Light Festival 2023 will kick off with a Welcome to Lowestoft Opening Parade, which will see two large puppets lead a walking procession through the town as part of Hi! Street Fest, a nation-wide project with Emergency Exit Arts in partnership with Historic England with East Suffolk Council. Genevieve Christie, CEO of First Light Festival CIC, says; “The festival’s volunteers are integral to the running of First Light, and are the very best ambassadors for Lowestoft. This year’s bigger parade means that we need more hands on deck. Our parade marshaling shifts should be a wonderful opportunity to soak up the festival atmosphere whilst being at the very heart of the action.”

2022 Volunteer Noel Stretton, says: “It is really a fantastic project to be involved in and has so many different roles that you may be involved in from artist liaison, directing audiences and helping with queues, to clearing up rubbish (which is actually quite fun). To anyone who is considering being a volunteer… go for it! You will have great fun,meet amazing people,make new friends and help the community.”

As well as parade marshalling roles, the festival are looking for volunteers to help the decoration team dress the site ahead of the festival. Volunteering is open to anyone aged 16+.

More information on volunteering can be found at www.firstlightlowestoft.com/volunteer, or by emailing Helen Dingle at volunteers@firstlightlowestoft.com