Get involved

Volunteer with us

The Jane Austen Festival relies on a team of wonderful volunteers to help set up and steward events throughout the ten days of the Festival.

These volunteers work hard in all sorts of capacities: welcoming guests, checking tickets, helping our speakers and performers set up equipment and staging, moving furniture, accompanying walking tours, taking photos and all-round helping our Festival visitors make wonderful memories. The Festival simply wouldn't happen without the wonderful volunteer stewards.

If you would like to be considered for the 2026 Jane Austen festival, are over 18, can supply your own Regency costume, (stewards must be in Regency costume), speak English to a good level, and understand the currency, please complete the application form when it becomes available very soon.

For the 2026 Jane Austen Festival we are only looking to hear from people who have attended the Jane Austen Festival before. Applicants for the 2026 festival must be available to work between 8am to 11pm over Friday 11th- Sunday 13th. Then on top of this, stewards should be available either for both weekends only, or full 10 days of festival events.

Jane Austen Festival 2026 - 11th to 20th September 2026

Applications will close on 30th November 2025.
If the Festival Team receives lots of amazing applications before thisthey may close it earlier. 

What previous volunteers said about the Festival

"I absolutely love being a part of the Jane Austen Festival! The camaraderie is great and I’ve met wonderful people from all over the world. I’ve also learned how to walk very fast in a long dress, got used to eating at strange times of the day/night and discovered how imperative it is to have access to safety pins at all times (having had to borrow from fellow stewards, both for myself and for our visitors, repeatedly now!) If you like talking to people, work well as part of a team, are good at problem-solving and enjoy helping out and turning your hand to pretty much anything, then this is the job for you!"
Lesley

"I can honestly say some of the most joyful moments of my life were during the Jane Austen Festival, and some of the best people I've met are the steward team. This is one of the most magical and rewarding experiences, whether you're a Janeite, a classic literature enthusiast, a world traveler, or just want to try Regency costuming.

Be prepared for Elizabeth Bennet-style walks (more than one pair of shoes ended up in the bin after the first weekend of the Festival) and a few tough moments if you don't like saying no to people, (for sold out events!) but you'll grow and learn so much about yourself all the while."

Kalee

"Stewarding the Jane Austen Festival has become a highlight of my year, and something I look forward to time and time again. It’s not just the amazing events and costumes that keep me coming back, it’s also the people – the friends I have made here, and the feeling of being part of a warm, supportive, silly, but efficient and trusting ‘family’."

Amy

"Stewarding the festival was so much fun! I met some wonderful people and was made to feel so welcome, despite being one of the few men on the team! Would definitely do it again."
Paul

“It’s no exaggeration to say that stewarding the Jane Austen Festival has changed my life. I’ve made so many great friends, have grown so much in confidence and have found where I belong. It’s a wonderful experience and I keep coming back year after year!"
Charlotte

“Stewarding the festival was one of the most incredible experiences in my life. It was like going through a door to a different magical world. A world full of kindness, beauty and new friends to know.’"
Julia

"Ten busy days of fun and interesting events, making new friends for life, getting to explore the beautiful city of Bath, while wearing Regency dress, and all in the name of one of the greatest English writers ever!"
Tasha