How To Get Into The Roskilde Festival For Free: Become A Refund Collector

March 18th, 2008 by Pia Taylor

Roskilde FestivalRoskilde Festival is one of the biggest and best on the European festival circuit – not one to be missed. But, if you’re curtailed by a zealously guarded budget, you might think twice about buying a ticket that would set you back by a minimum of DKK 1650 (about 220 Euros) per person.

Fear not, though, because there is another option that will cost you nothing: volunteering as a ‘refund collector‘. A strange title, perhaps, but all it means is that you assist organisers by wandering around the festival collecting and sorting bottles that have a refund value.

As a volunteer, you’re required to work a minimum of 24 hours (3 shifts of 8 hours each) during the course of the festival and, in return, you’ll get free access to the festival and be able to experience it from the inside, as part of the 25,000-strong team.

Roskilde Refund Collectors - photo: Thomas KjærOrganisers try their best to ensure that volunteers get varied shifts, so whilst you may not be able to see all of what you want, when you want, you’re still going to have a whole lot of fun. Plus, you get that warm rosy feeling of doing something for a good cause (this year all profits from the refund collection will support mine clearance in Congo).

This year’s festival runs from 3-6 July, with the warm-up from 29 June. To be a volunteer, you need to be 18 years old or above, and you will be required to pay a deposit of DKK 600 (about 80 Euros). The deposit is to ensure that you pitch up, and will be paid back to you in full – provided that you’ve worked your required hours – as soon as the festival ends (more about that here).

Head on over here to sign up.

Related entries:
‘Request Your Favourite Bands For Roskilde Festival 2008‘
‘Partying For A Cause Next Summer: Roskilde 2008‘
‘Roskilde Festival 2007: It’s Not Just About The Music‘
‘Capturing An Audience: Roskilde Festival’s Best Crowd Photo For 2006‘
‘Roskilde Festival 2007: Volunteering Can Get You In For Free‘

Travel resources backpackers might find useful:
DoCopenhagen Copenhagen Guide – some tips from alternative music blog, DoCopenhagen
VisitCopenhagen – official Copenhagen guide
Hostels in Roskilde – find and book your hostels online
Backpackers Travel Insurance – cover your trip with comprehensive travel insurance from WorldNomads.

Posted in Destinations, Festivals