World records don't count unless independent witnesses are watching, and that's where you come in. We need volunteers across one September weekend to help make Bristol business history official.
Two roles available:
Official Witness. Sit on the studio sofa in pairs, watch the interviews happen live a few metres away, and keep the official log book with your co-witness: start times, finish times, rest breaks, two signatures. At the end of your shift you write a short statement in your own words (template provided, five minutes). Shifts are 4 hours. No experience needed, there's a crib sheet, a handover from the outgoing pair, and an online briefing before the weekend.
Comms Crew. Help run the schedule and capture behind-the-scenes content on your phone: photos, clips, quotes and short exit chats with founders as they come off air. Shifts are 8 hours, and we're happy to split one between two people.
What you get: a front-row seat to a world record attempt, your name and face on the event website, a certificate with your name on it if the record is broken, and refreshments throughout — including the overnight shifts, which are genuinely the best seats in the house. Car parking available.
Who can volunteer: anyone 18+. Witnesses must be independent, not related to the organisers or any of the 59 speakers, and not part of Talk Club or Films at 59.
When: Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026, day and night shifts available.
Where: Films at 59, 59 Cotham Hill, Cotham, Bristol BS6 6JR (note: Films at 59 has two sites — ours is Cotham Hill).
Sign up and pick your shift: beheardlive.co.uk/#volunteers