So, what’s life like working at festivals all summer with the Canvas Co?
Ever wondered what it's like living in a field and hitting the roads day in, day out? We've been catching up with our seasoned crew to spill the beans on the real deal of festival life.
Working as part of a crew constructing boutique campsites at festivals is a whirlwind adventure.
Every day brings fresh challenges, but with solid teamwork, we tackle them head-on.
Our crew shared a common theme: teamwork is the glue that holds everything together, especially when we're up against tight deadlines and unpredictable weather patterns throwing us four seasons in one day!
Sure, it's hard work, but when everyone chips in, it helps a lot.
Crew Top Tip: bring clothing for all weathers – festivals can flip from scorching sun to torrential downpour in a heartbeat! There have been so many times a day started out hot and sunny and then turned into a rainstorm. Be prepared for heat and lots of sun but also wet and cold.
We love an early morning!
Our build crew usually clocks in from Monday to Thursday, with some gigs stretching longer for the bigger festivals. And let's not forget those early starts – a little team encouragement goes a long way in the mornings to help get everyone up and ready in time.
Cheering each other on is best so everyone is ready to have breakfast and have enough time for it to digest before work begins. It is super important to go on site with a clear head and happy tummy, days can be long and the work is very physical.
Crew Top Tip: take bathroom break before hitting the site – trust us, you'll thank us later!
On-site, crafting a boutique camping experience involves a variety of tasks,
From building all kinds of canvas structures or Yurts, to decking out interiors with cosy furnishings. Attention to detail is key – it's the little things that make a big difference.
Every morning, each team huddles up for a game plan, setting the minimum expectations for the day. Festivals run on tight schedules, so we hustle to meet deadlines and adapt to curveballs along the way.
You'll be hauling heavy duty items likes poles, tents, beds and boxes and racing against the clock to get these luxury cocoons ready for their festival residents.
Once the tents are upright, it's an all-hands-on-deck situation to transform them into total bougievillehome "glamour zones." We're talking plush bedding, carpets, lighting, and all the comforts from home. This is where your inner interior designer gets to shine.
Muscles will burn, sweat will pour, but the satisfaction of seeing those canvas castles take shape? Priceless.
Crew Top Tip: bring a big bottle to refill with water and always take snacks down to the site - there will typically be short breaks, but that doesn't always mean access to food.
once the site sparkles, it's showtime for our reception team.
With smiles as bright as the sun, they're the first faces our guests see, ready to sprinkle some festival magic.
From check-ins to being a Sherpa, the day is a whirlwind of guest interactions. Conversations range from lineup excitement to lost-and-found missions – no two moments are alike!
The guests usually arrive hyped up for the weekend, however sometimes the weather can affect their mood, so they’ll need a bit of extra care and attention.
Let’s sum it up
With festivals spanning the country, we're always on the move.
Challenges are part of the job. We roll with the punches, problem-solving as we go, to keep the show on the road.
Thankfully, diversity is our strength. There’s a good mix of people with various skill sets and backgrounds; each year brings a fresh batch of friends – our festival family. It’s the amazing friendships and loyalty that’s founded in the fields that keeps everyone together and grounded.
Final crew Top Tip: Keep that phone use to a minimum – a reliable charger ensures you're always on track for the daily grind. You just wanna make sure you have enough juice to clock in and out each day, so you get paid.
