By Albert Severin Sponholtz, volunteer at Roskilde Festival’s Media House
Did you know that volunteers are behind everything from the festival’s infrastructure and architecture to stalls and stages? It’s true – Roskilde Festival comes to life thanks to thousands of passionate volunteers who work tirelessly for weeks before the opening and just as many weeks after.
One of these volunteers is Marie Raasthøj, the leader of the team on the Gaia stage. Together, they bring every aspect of Gaia to life – from setting up the tent and stage to handling the music production during concerts.
Team Gaia represents only a small part of the total number of hardworking volunteers, but they are a perfect example of the compassionate volunteer community that creates the festival for you and me.
Perhaps you think that since volunteers build Gaia, they must have experience in construction or music production? Not necessarily. According to Marie Raasthøj, joining the team doesn’t require any special skills.
“Experience isn’t the most important thing. Everyone is welcome as long as they can participate in the community with respect, curiosity, and openness.”
It’s not about what the volunteers can do beforehand. They are seen as whole individuals who help shape their own roles while developing their skills.
“If, for example, you’re great at working a lift and setting up lights – we notice that and listen to what you enjoy doing,” says Marie Raasthøj.
At the same time, Team Gaia makes a point of creating as much transparency around the tasks as possible. That way, team members support each other and can cover each other when needed. For Marie Raasthøj, that includes delegating her own responsibilities so others can step in.
“It’s a misunderstanding that you have to be indispensable – part of your responsibility is letting go of it.”
Last autumn, Marie Raasthøj was named one of the Festival Heroes of the Year by her fellow volunteers – a tribute to those who go above and beyond for the community. Unsurprisingly, the nomination came from her own team. In their nomination, they wrote:
“The reason we come back year after year is that Marie Raasthøj has created a team where everyone feels that Gaia is our shared project and that they have an important role in creating a community filled with love and looking out for each other.”
But Marie Raasthøj is quick to redirect the praise back to her team:
“We are all a part of creating Gaia – no matter what task we have. And we all help create the atmosphere that makes people want to return.”
Right now, the team is putting the finishing touches on their work before several weeks of effort culminate. This Sunday, the spotlights of the Gaia stage will shine on the first concert of the year, and festivalgoers will be welcomed under Gaia’s tent.
So, when you’re embraced by the music, the community, and the sense of belonging this week, now you know it’s because volunteers built the stage with love.
It’s precisely their effort that makes Gaia more than just a stage. They’re what gives Gaia its soul.
Be a part of RF25
You can still sign up to volunteer on one of our many teams! Hurry to the Facebook group Roskilde Festival - Become A Volunteer! and find the role that suits you.