With plans under way for the May return of The Late Shows, organisers are on the look-out for volunteers to help out across the two nights.
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, which hosts the annual free culture crawl in Newcastle and Gateshead, says it is seeking 'friendly faces' to act as stewards to ensure it goes with a swing. More than 40 art galleries, museums and historic venues are set to open late on May 19 and 20 for the event, laying on tours, activities and performances with a special bus service linking key venues.
TWAM says volunteers are crucial to the event and they get a lot out of it too. Those interested in taking part this year will be able to choose from a variety of tasks, including meeting and greeting visitors; answering their enquiries; handing out programmes; providing directions to bus stops and venues and also telling them about other places to visit.
Read more: February deadline looms for venues to sign up to The Late Shows
Bill Griffiths, TWAM head of programmes and collections who is also chairman of The Late Shows steering group, said the event "certainly couldn’t have been the success that it has been over the last 15 years without the help of our fantastic volunteer stewards". He added: "They have been key to helping visitors get to where they want to go, answering any queries and generally making sure The Late Shows always runs smoothly.
“Volunteering is a great way to be part of a very special event. Not only is it a fantastic way to gain confidence, experience and new skills but it’s also a lot of fun, with many volunteers returning year after year.
"It’s been wonderful that so many people have already contacted us to ask how they can help this year.” And now others are being invited to apply online to help as stewards on the Friday and Saturday evenings of the event. Volunteers have to be aged 18 or over.
On both nights of The Late Shows, which celebrates its 15th editition this year, the venues involved will open from 7pm until late. Those in Gateshead tend to open an hour earlier, at 6pm, on the Saturday.
During its run, visitors will be able to pick from a range of galleries, museums and open art studios to visit to enjoy exhibitions, music, performances and often some bizarre events and intriguing interactive experiences. For more about The Late Shows or to apply to be a volunteer see here.
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