Volunteer

Be the welcome at every door

Applications to join our 2026 Festival volunteer team are now closed.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the festival, creating a welcoming experience across the city. Roles may include welcoming visitors, supporting tours, or sharing information. There are opportunities in a range of venues & locations.

Read on to find out more about your volunteer journey.

Guide showing a group of children an historic cemetery entrance in Glasgow

Why Volunteer

Three reasons to stand at the threshold

Connection

Meet people

Be part of a warm, sociable team you'll meet fellow volunteers, members of the public, and organisers.

Three smiling people pose together in a gift shop, one wearing a pink Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival t-shirt

Discovery

See behind doors

Discover Glasgow's hidden stories and buildings. Our volunteers talk about how much they learned from participating in the festival.

Two young visitors playfully look through magnifying glasses inside a historic timber-roofed building

Growth

Build experience

Get behind the scenes of Glasgow's largest free heritage festival. Build your confidence, learn new skills and receive a reference after the festival.

Man speaking to a group of children during an outdoor educational tour`

The role

What you'll do

Before the festival starts, you'll attend a training session. We offer both in-person and online options so you can choose what works. On the day, a team leader will be on-site to answer questions and support you.

Tasks

You might be welcoming visitors, supporting tours, or sharing information about what's happening across the festival, with opportunities across a wide range of venues and locations. Volunteers help facilitate tours of historic buildings, support hub activities, and promote the festival at our Festival Hub.

Support

Before the festival begins, you'll be invited to an online training session with multiple dates to choose from. At the start of the festival week, you'll have the chance to meet other volunteers and the Festival Team at our Volunteer Induction.

Your Time

Take one shift or many, we'll fit around your availability. The main festival dates are 17–20 September 2026, (with our Schools Programme also happening from 14–18 September). Shifts are usually four hours long, with morning, afternoon and evening slots available.

What You Get

Festival t-shirt. Build valuable experience. Reference letter on request. Travel expenses. Invitation to the post-festival Civic Reception at City Chambers.

Questions

Email us at any point. We're here to help. volunteer@gbpt.org

A festival volunteer holds out a pink donation bucket with a Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival leaflet nearby

Volunteer stories

"“I learned a good deal about the architectural movements at the time the building [the Ottoman Coffee House] was constructed that I was speaking about. It gave me a better sense of what the city was like at the time and the rich heritage it has."

2025 Volunteer

Busy interior of a traditional coffeehouse with people dining and socializing

“I never knew the Pipe Factory existed before so to see the building, and to hear about the future plans was very interesting. It was also my first visit to the Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre. To see the masks on display and to hear the history of mask making during the workshop tour was fascinating.”

2025 Volunteer

Visitors in high-vis vests and hard hats look up at a building during an outdoor guided tour

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about visiting the festival.

Is there an age requirement?

You must be 18 or over. We welcome adults of all ages and backgrounds.

What if I have accessibility needs?

Tell us what you need in the application form. We'll work with you to find a role and venue that works. No question is too small—we want you to feel supported.

Will I be out of pocket?

No, you'll get a Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival t-shirt and £10 to spend on travel. Tea and Coffee will be available at the Advanced Research Centre and many of the participating venues may provide support for volunteers.

Can I volunteer with a group?

Yes. If you're coming with friends or a community group, mention it in the form. We'll try to place you together, though we can't guarantee it.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for September in Glasgow. You'll get a festival t-shirt to wear over the top. Some venues ask for smart-casual; we'll brief you beforehand.

Do I have to already be a member of the PVG Scheme in Scotland to be a volunteer?

If you're already a member, great – just share your Disclosure Number when you join. If not, no problem – we'll apply for your Disclosure Certificate through Disclosure Scotland during onboarding, free of charge.

Will I be trained?

Training is available to volunteers but is completely optional. It is free and happens before the festival starts. If there is any other information or knowledge beyond what has been learned in training that you believe will be advantageous, please be sure to contact us.