This June, the Great Exhibition Road Festival returned to South Kensington for another unforgettable weekend of discovery, creativity, and community. Taking place on 6th and 7th June 2026, this year’s festival was particularly special as it marked the 175th anniversary of the original Great Exhibition of 1851 celebrating a legacy of innovation, learning, and bringing people together.
We were delighted to work alongside the Imperial College team once again to support this landmark event. Across the two days, 48 incredible volunteers joined us to help welcome visitors, answer questions, provide directions, and support the wider festival team in creating a positive experience for everyone attending.
Our volunteers played an important role in making the festival feel welcoming and accessible by helping families find their next activity, chatting with curious visitors, offering a friendly face during a rainy moment and more. Their kindness, and willingness to help reflected the very spirit of the event itself.
Welcoming Returning Volunteers Along with First-Timers!
One of the things we love most about the Great Exhibition Road Festival is that it has become an annual volunteering opportunity for many people. This year, we welcomed back Bianca, who first volunteered at the festival in 2025 and returned for a second year of supporting the event. When asked about her experience, she shared:
“I’m planning to [volunteer] next year too – just like a little tradition that I want to make.”
Bianca’s words capture something special about community volunteering. For those balancing work, study, family commitments, or other responsibilities, one-off opportunities like this festival can provide a meaningful way to contribute flexibly, without the commitment of an ongoing role.
These events also create an accessible entry point for people who are volunteering for the first time. A single weekend can introduce someone to the rewards of giving back, helping them build confidence, meet new people, and discover new interests. In many cases, a one-off opportunity becomes the beginning of a much longer volunteering journey.
Volunteer Voices
Before the weekend came to a close, we asked some of our volunteers to share their highlights from the festival:
Their reflections remind us that volunteering is about so much more than completing tasks. It is about connection, curiosity, shared experiences, and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
As we reflect on another successful festival weekend, we want to say a huge thank you to every volunteer who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to support the event. Your contributions helped create a welcoming environment for thousands of visitors and ensured that this special anniversary year was one to remember.
Watch this video to relive some of our favourite moments and hear from the volunteers who made it all possible.
Here’s How You Can Get Involved:
If you’d like to participate in future one-off and event volunteering opportunities, we’d love to hear from you. You can reach us through the contact form on our website, or by giving us a call. You can also click on the link below to stay informed about upcoming opportunities and find flexible ways to volunteer that fit around your schedule.
