While audiences are enjoying all the fun of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, a top team of volunteers are working hard to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Eastern Daily Press: The army of volunteers for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe army of volunteers for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

This year more than 120 volunteers have joined the festival team and are doing everything from being Adnams Spiegeltent hosts to festival drivers to event stewards.

Festival director Daniel Brine paid tribute to their great teamwork which helps make the festival possible.

He said: 'There are over 120 volunteers and they bring real energy to the festival. They are the people who are ripping your tickets, who are greeting you, who are saying hello, who are on the streets. They are the face of the festival in many ways and they are super important.'

Among the volunteers is 65-year-old Maggie Wheeler, who lives in Catton Grove, and who is volunteering for a sixth year.

Eastern Daily Press: The army of volunteers for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe army of volunteers for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'The festival is an opportunity to see many aspects of art and performing that you might not otherwise have seen. It's always a good atmosphere and it's nice to be a part of it. It's about showing off the city as well,' said Maggie, who is especially looking forward to being an Adnams Spiegeltent host and also encouraged audiences to try something new at the festival.

'My advice would be go see something that you know nothing about, take a risk because you might be pleasantly surprised.'

Fabian Webb Brown, a 25-year-old nurse who lives off Dereham Road, is volunteering for a third year and working as a festival runner and Adnams Spiegeltent host.

'As a volunteer it's great to experience even more of the festival and see behind the scenes,' he said.

When asked what events he would recommend, he said: 'Amanda Palmer - she's a fantastic artist - and I'd always recommend an evening in the Adnams Spiegeltent.'

John Clements, a 33-year-old English teacher from Attleborough, is volunteering for a second year and working as an event steward and survey assistant.

'It's a great opportunity to find out more about the arts and Norwich,' he said, adding he especially recommended festival-goers take part in The Garden Party at Chapelfield Gardens and the City of Literature events.

Catherine Dixon, a 20-year-old student from Cathedral Close, is a new volunteer and enjoying getting a behind the scenes look at the festival. She said her top tips for events not to miss were The Garden Party and anything from the classical music and City of Literature programmes.

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