Organisation Name:
York Festival Trust
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Education & Learning
Local Community
Recreation
Location of voluntary activity:
York city centre
When are volunteers needed: Sunday 28 June & Sunday 5 July 2026
City-centre performances across four stations. Approx. 9am–6pm.
(Doing both dates is ideal, but one is possible.)
Tuesday 30 June & Wednesday 1 July 2026
Special evening performances in Shambles Market. Approx. 5.30pm–11pm.
(Again, both dates preferred but not essential.)
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Arts & Entertainment
Event Support
Outdoor
Role description:
The York Mystery Plays return in 2026, bringing the city’s medieval waggon plays back to the streets. Plays are performed on waggons that travel between four locations in the city centre, in a world-famous outdoor theatre experience for audiences of all ages.
Waggon Masters guide each performing waggon safely through York’s city centre during the 2026 Mystery Plays. You take responsibility for leading the waggon’s movements between locations, ensuring it arrives on time, is positioned correctly for performance, and travels safely through busy public streets. The role involves working closely with actors, waggon pushers, and the production team, giving clear directions, maintaining awareness of the surroundings, and making sound safety led decisions. You hold a key leadership position within the waggon team and play an essential part in keeping the event running smoothly.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
• Confident leading a small team and giving clear verbal instructions
• Calm under pressure, observant, and able to make quick, safety focused decisions
• Comfortable walking long distances and guiding the manoeuvring of a large waggon
• Reliable, punctual, and steady in busy public environments
• Aware of public safety and able to judge risks appropriately
• 18+ and able to attend the required training and rehearsals
Experience in events, or leadership is helpful but not essential; the role is fully supported with briefings and safety preparation.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
One-off Volunteering
Short term Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
• A central leadership role in one of York’s most iconic cultural traditions
• Hands on experience in live event movement, logistics, and safety management
• Close collaboration with performers, directors, production staff, and fellow volunteers
• Confidence in team leadership, communication, and decision making under pressure
• A unique behind the scenes perspective on the waggon plays and their historic routes
• The satisfaction of guiding a waggon safely through the city and helping performances run on time
How to get involved:
Email: volunteer@yorkmysteryplays.co.uk
Or go to the website and fill out the interest form.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 30-04-2026