Buddhafield Festival

Camp code: UK-IVS 13.2

Description: The Buddhafield Festival is held over 5 days. The event brings together 3000 people for a sharing and celebration of alternative social, cultural, political and spiritual values. The mix of activities around Buddhist, environmental, healing and social change themes together with general festival attractions such as singing, dance, yoga, drumming, live music, comedy, craftwork, chai cafes, saunas, hot tubs and a huge range of activities for children, attracts a wide range of festival goers. The feedback we get is that for many the event is a reminder that a more positive and kind alternative to conventional competitive and environmentally damaging ways of living is possible. In keeping with the Festival's Buddhist ethos the event is a drug and alcohol-free zone.

Type of Work: IVS volunteers will be invited to work in one of a number of areas before and during the festival, for example: the Healing area, the Buddhafield cafe, site crew, recycling and ‘toilet wizards’, décor, welcome and departure teams.

During the Festival the volunteers will have work shifts but will also have time to enjoy the huge variety of events taking place and facilities available as outlined above. Volunteers are asked to attend daily morning meetings, the exact time depending on what area of work they choose to join. The work is very team-based. The whole enterprise runs on goodwill, awareness of each other’s needs, good communication and mutual support.

Study Theme: During set-up and take-down there will be organised events around Buddhist themes, attendance at which is completely voluntary. There are generally also alternatives such as spontaneous musical gatherings, often around a fire. They will also have someone on site who is their direct contact for support and pastoral care. They will meet as a group together each day.

Accommodation: Volunteers should bring their own tents, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and everything you would need for a camping trip. Weather can range from very hot in the sun to very cold at night, so please bring plenty of blankets as well as sun cream, warm-weather clothes and proper waterproof jackets and trousers. Showers and toilet facilities are outdoors and though cleaner and better cared for than other festivals, they are outdoors and basic. Buddhafield will provide 100% vegan food and hot drinks and snacks are available throughout the day.

Requirements: Volunteers should send together with the application form a Police Check stating they do not have a criminal record. Volunteers will be interviewed by IVS via zoom or whatsapp before they get the final acceptance in the project.

Approximate Location: Blackdown Hills in Somerset, England.

Notes: IMPORTANT: From 2025 onwards, all foreign national travelling to the UK need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You cannot enter the UK without it. Please check the following link on how to apply for it: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta