ORGANISERS of the award-winning Festival of Thrift are looking for volunteers to help this year’s event run as smoothly as the last.

The festival made its debut at Darlington’s Lingfield Point last September and attracted around 27,000 visitors throughout the weekend.

The festival returns on September 27 and Darlington Cares – a partnership of employers whose staff are matched to community projects – has joined with organisers to recruit and coordinate volunteers.

There are five different types of role on offer; stewarding, helping to dress the venues, technical and general assistance, artist liaison and workshop assistants.

Volunteers can join in on various days from Thursday September 25 until Monday September 29 and sessions are split into three sections to give volunteers flexibility and the chance to help out at numerous points across the weekend.

Festival director Stella Hall said: “Last year our volunteers did a tremendous job – as our most important ambassadors they really pulled together and were a key factor in making the weekend such an enjoyable experience for everyone who came.

“This time around there are many more ways for people to get involved and really make an impact while helping us create a truly exceptional and memorable festival.

“There is a volunteering opportunity for everyone and we urge anyone with a love for what we’re doing here to get involved.”

Katie Blundell, programme manager at Darlington Cares, added: “Last year’s event was a phenomenal success and really put Darlington on the map.

“Event volunteers played a really important role and we have fantastic opportunities for people to get involved this year.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Ms Blundell on 07917 473992, email k.blundell@tees.ac.uk or visit www.darlingtoncares.co.uk

Volunteers must be at least 16-years-old.