13 people, many wearing Wigtown Book Festival sweatshirts with 'Staff' written on the back, walk away from the camera. Low sunlight casts long shadows. They are walking down North Main street in Wigtown, with parked cars, building and bunting in the background.

Event Assistant

We're looking for an Event Assistant to support the preparation and delivery of the Wigtown Book Festival.

The Event Assistant will assist the Event Coordinator in all logistical aspects of the festival. This will include setting up venues, liaising with technical teams, coordinating hospitality, health & safety and event pack down at the end of the festival. The post holder will be essential in helping to provide the safe and efficient delivery of events. This will also require regular and effective communication with colleagues.

Payment and terms


The position is part-time and temporary for up to 166 hours between 16 September - 11 October 2024 (exact hours by negotiation). Payment is £12 per hour. Holiday entitlement is 12 hours.

Duties of the Post


  • Ensure all venues have all requirements in place i.e. staging, lighting, power, heat.
  • Liaise with the technical team to ensure the correct set up is in place in each venue.
  • Coordinate hospitality including liaising with caterers to ensure they comply with environmental health standards.
  • Assist in venue set up, management and de-rig.
  • Be mindful of health and safety at all times and report any issues to the Event Coordinator.
  • Undertake any reasonable additional tasks as may from time to time be required by the Creative Director or Operational Director.


Skills & Abilities

  • Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks and requests and respond flexibly as urgency requires.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and abilities to deal with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
  • A creative and problem-solving approach to work.
  • Ability to work closely with colleagues and partners.
  • Willingness to work long or anti-social hours on Occasion as required throughout the festival.

Personal Qualities


  • Excellent time management.
  • Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about the event management/festival environment.
  • Articulate.
  • Flexible and highly motivated.
  • Professional manner and appearance.
  • Self-starter with the ability to work alone or as part of a team as required.
  • Ability to use own initiative.
  • An ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members, contractors and volunteers.
  • Creative, flexible and a personal ethos of continuous improvement.


How to apply

Please complete the application form here.

Should you have any questions prior to applying, please contact [email protected] or telephone 01988 403222.

Closing date:11.59pm on 7 August 2024.

Interviews will be held on 14 August.

Reasonable travel expenses agreed in advance will be reimbursed for interviewees. Before the interview, candidates will be asked about any access requirements and appropriate accommodations will be made.

The candidate must be available to work between 19 September - 11 October (hours during this period by agreement).

About Wigtown Festival Company

Wigtown Festival Company is the charity (SC037984) that runs the Wigtown Book Festival, Big Dog children’s book festival in Dumfries and a programme of year-round activities including writer development and programmes for young people. Our purpose is to bring cultural, social and economic benefits to all the people of our region. For further details about our activities, see www.wigtownbookfestival.com.