What is a Christmas Costumed volunteer?
“A Very Victorian Christmas” is Tyntesfield’s immensely popular Christmas event. Every year, the house and estate gets a Victorian takeover, with costumed characters representing the Gibbs family, their guests and servants, walking around the house and ground and chatting to our visitors. We couldn’t achieve this without a team of highly dedicated volunteers – you make the magic happen!
We’re looking to make the event even bigger this year, welcoming visitors in the evening as well as in the daytime. If you’re available a couple of evenings in December, like the idea of dressing up, and love meeting new people, this opportunity could be for you!
What’s in it for you?
- Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
- Volunteer on your own or with a friend
- An easy way to get involved – this is a short term opportunity. Volunteer for one week or six weeks.
- Meeting people from all walks of life and making new friends.
- Improving communication skills and practicing staying in character
- Being involved in the hands on delivery of festive events.
- Enjoying new experiences and learning something new.
- Getting the opportunity to dress up as a Victorian Lady, Gentleman or Servant
- Enjoy the festive feeling in the house as Tyntesfield is dressed for Christmas – and behind the scenes in the Volunteer team room over a hot chocolate
What’s involved?
- A warm and friendly attitude – being happy to welcome all our visitors
- Dressing up as a Victorian Lady, Gentleman or Servant and pretending you are getting ready for a Gibbs family Christmas in 1891 – staying in character where possible
- Being available to help us in the evenings on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Weekends
- Helping us to keep the house safe for all our visitors, by providing a friendly presence and making sure people know where to go
- Using a radio (full training given)
- Understanding and having a role in emergency evacuation procedures.
- Becoming familiar with and following the National Trust’s Health and Safety Policy at all times.
- There may occasionally be other activities and tasks where we could use your help.
This role will suit people who…
- Want to volunteer at Tyntesfield but don’t have time to commit to regular volunteering all year round
- Enjoy being part of big events!
- Are welcoming and friendly and enjoy working in a team.
- Enjoy the challenges that come from interacting with a large number of people.
- Happy to dress in Victorian costume.
- May want to practise your improvisation skills.