More than 20 of the volunteers working at the Love Luton Festival weekend gained an NVQ level 2 qualification from the experience. More than 130 volunteers helped during the weekend committing over 1,200 volunteering hours to the Love Luton 2012 Festival.
Identifiable from their white uniforms, the volunteers had a number of roles across the festival including meet and greeting, stewarding, back stage help and artistic/production support. The NVQ level 2 was awarded to more than 20 volunteers who worked as stewards at the festival. Peter Harry, festival volunteer, said: “I have participated in a variety of voluntary roles over the past 20 years and have to say that this event achieved what it set out to do. The small group of volunteers I worked with supported each other like good friends who had known each other for years.
“The serious commitment and responsibility shown made me feel proud to be a part of this wonderful team who had no practice working together before the event. It was great to experience how music concerts work behind the scenes, working with Olly Murs security team looking after his needs and welfare. Picking up Olly’s dry cleaning from High Town Launderette was a highlight. The festival was a wonderful event and we must not let achievements like this escape Luton. We must come up with similar events to build on Luton’s success.”
Alison Alleyne, another volunteer, said: “Volunteering at the Love Luton 2012 Festival has been an absolute privilege. There is a great community spirit in Luton and both residents and visitors were happy, pleasant and in a wonderful festival mood.”
The festival volunteer project was part of the council’s wider volunteer scheme, including event management, community centre activities and working with vulnerable adults.
Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council, said: “The festival volunteering scheme was set up to help people gain valuable experience while giving something back to the community. They did an excellent job and I am proud that we have so many dedicated and committed people in our town, reflecting a variety of backgrounds and skills.
“In addition to those who gained the NVQ, many others received specialised training provided by event partners. As a legacy, I hope that many festival volunteers will continue volunteering with organisations in Luton.”
