VOLUNTEER CALL OUT – THE HERDS: HEYWOOD

We are seeking 50 to 100 volunteers from the Rochdale Borough to support THE HERDS HEYWOOD on Friday 4 July 2025. If you have an interest or passion for volunteering, public arts and your community we want to hear from you!

After opening MIF25 in Manchester City Centre on 3 July, 70 life-sized wild animal puppets will explore the streets of Heywood on 4 July. From 7pm, THE HERDS animals will venture the industrial streets that surround Mutual Mill before seeking nature and greenery in Queens Park.

THE HERDS is brought to life by the international team behind Little Amal, created by The Walk Productions and led by Artistic Director Amir Nizar Zuabi.

We are looking for local people from our community to take part and support this truly epic event coming to the streets of Heywood. For more information about THE HERDS, head to: THE HERDS | Manchester International Festival 2025 – Factory International

WHY GET INVOLVED

•  Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime event in your local area of Heywood!
• Meet and have fun with like-minded people from your community.
• Experience and learn about the behind-the-scenes of a large public art event
• Rochdale Borough council will offer a shopping voucher to those who volunteer in full.

KEY DATES

Week commencing 23 June 2025: You will need to attend one 1-hour induction session prior to 4 July.

You will need to be available on Friday 4 July 2025 at various times (the event starts at 7pm; shift times will be allocated based on availability).

TO TAKE PART YOU MUST

• Be aged 18 or over and live, work or study in Rochdale Borough
• Be available Friday 4 July 2025 (various times, event runs approximately 7pm to 8pm)
• Be confident and happy to help the public find THE HERDS, provide wayfinding support, and work alongside other volunteers.
• Be comfortable working outdoors in all weather!

LOCATION

• The start point is Starkey Street / Rutland Street Heywood, Rochdale OL10
• The address for Queens Park is 158 Queen's Park Rd, Rochdale, Heywood OL10 4UY
• Our production based will be located close by the starting point.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• You will be help guiding the flow of people following THE HERDS journey from the residential streets of Heywood to Queens Park.
• You may be stationed at various locations along the route to signpost and guide the public, artists and participants. You may also be volunteering alongside other MIF25 volunteers.
• After the event finishes you will guide people out and around Queens Park.
• You may also assist in maintaining a tidy green room for artists, volunteers, and participants, and in public areas after the event.

If you wish to register your interest we want to hear from you!

Please complete the Google Form to register your interest as a volunteer. If you are unable to access or complete the form, contact: Louis Lisle: l.lisle@investinrochdale.co.uk to receive the questions in a Word document.

For any other queries, please email Louis Lisle with "Volunteering THE HERDS" in

the subject line.

Deadline for interest: Midday Monday 16th June 2025

We cannot wait to have you on board for this wonderful and epic production!