LEARN how to operate and manage fire and pyrotechnics, lead a team and learn valuable skills by becoming a much-needed volunteer for the Wye Valley River Festival, helping to ensure the event, May 3rd to 18th, is a blazing success.

The ground-breaking programme will enable residents and visitors to experience landscape conservation as never before, with walks, talks, debates and an imaginative collaboration of artists, communities and conservation experts celebrating the life and landscape of the River Wye.

The programme will include a series of fire and flame celebrations in Monmouth, Llandogo and Chepstow.

Organisers are looking for around 300 torch bearers to help create the exciting and stunning spectacles.

This year's festival is spearheaded by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership with artistic direction from Desperate Men Outdoor Arts Company, with the revelries starting with a river carnival in Hereford Saturday 3rd May and reaching their exciting finale in Chepstow on Sunday 18th May, with celebrations in Ross-on-Wye, Lydbrook, Symonds Yat, Monmouth, Llandogo, St Briavels, Brockweir and Tintern along the way.

Sarah Sawyer, Community Links Officer with the Wye Valley AONB Unit said: "There are many ways for local people to get involved, have fun and even pick up new skills.

"If you want to help create a fire spectacular, then this is for you. Family groups are welcome but all torch bearers must be aged over 16."

Anyone who can commit to two or more events also has the opportunity to train as a fire steward.

"It's a chance to get inside the creation of the most spectacular events, working with the festival's pyrotechnical gurus And Now and Pa Boom," said Sarah.

Organisers are looking for 10 to 15 people over the age of 18 to attend a free all day workshop on Saturday 12th April, where they will learn how to build a large scale bonfire, make fire pots, create fire pictures, set and light fuses, fire health and safety and how to be a group leader to support torch bearers. 

Sarah added: "We also need to gather the thoughts and feedback of participants and audiences. One of the ways in which we will do this is through survey questionnaires at all the events, so if you enjoy talking to the public, then helping us with this research may be the option for you."

To volunteer, download the application form from the website or email [email protected]">[email protected]