I have worked a few shifts for hap now and was excited to do my first camping event. I had my tent, sleeping bag, and battery packs all charged, and all my gear packed in the car, ready to go to Latitude.
In the morning, I received a what 3 words code which told me where to meet the hap team. There was staff parking, and I made my way to the staff registration area. It was easy to spot as it was clearly marked with hap signs( and a yellow hap tent). Here I was given my wristband which gave me access to the staff camping and the festival site. I showed the onsite staffing team my photo ID (I remembered to bring an original) and they gave me my shift times and told me which bars I will be working on, I had a shift later that day, so it was time to set up my tent and get ready for my shift later.
As hap staff, we had a dedicated staff camping area away from the main festival camping. I was really happy to see that we had our own toilets and showers that only we could use. There were a few of us setting up, and we all helped each other set up our tents. Everyone was really friendly, and I was looking forward to getting to know everyone over the next few days.
I then headed to my bar to start my first shift. I signed in on the tablet and was shown the bar layout and how to operate the card machine. During my shift, I was given a packed lunch and later a food token, which I used at a nearby food vendor (which was delicious). I really enjoyed the bar I was on, we had a good view of the stage, and I really liked everyone I was working with.
After my shift, I signed out on the tablet and spent time at the festival. I couldn’t believe I got to see my favourite band in my free time. I headed back to the staff camping to try and get a good night’s rest before my shift the next day.
I loved working at my first hap festival and can not wait to do more over the summer. I met some great people that I can now call friends. I was able to enjoy the festival, too, as my bar was really near the main stage. It was a great experience, and it is hard to believe it was actually work!! I am also looking forward to being paid in two weeks’ time!
Here are a couple of things that I wished I had known before the weekend:
- It gets chilly in the evening, so I was glad I took a hoody that I wore on the bar
- Pack light, there was quite a walk from my car to the campsite
- Comfy shoes are life
- Bring original photo ID
- Remember to sign in and out of your shift
- Pack sunscreen
- I’m a light sleeper so packed earplugs
- You can’t have too many battery packs
-Megan, Suffolk.
