Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2025: Call For Volunteers!

We are looking for committed volunteers to play a key part in realising the UK’s premier annual festival of Arab arts and culture in Liverpool this summer.

Would you like to learn new skills and meet new people? Are you interested in learning about how an international arts festival works, or develop your experience of working with people in a public-facing arts setting?

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival runs 11th – 20th July 2025. We are especially looking for support to deliver these key events during the festival.

Check out the full line-up of events that we need volunteers at here and then please fill out the form at the bottom of this page:

12:00am, Friday 17 July

VIEW THE FESTIVAL BROCHURE – LAAF 2026

Download the LAAF brochure here, with the full festival lineup! قم بتنزيل كتيب LAAF هنا، والذي يتضمن البرنامج الكامل للمهرجان!

10:00am, Friday 17 July

The Refuge: Photography Exhibition

Through the perspectives of contemporary photography, this exhibition reflects on the notion of ‘home’ in the context of today’s Arabness.

10:00am, Friday 17 July

The Other Refuge: Photography Exhibition

An exhibition reflecting on 'belonging' through the eclectic perspectives of UK artists of Arab origin who have experienced displacement.

7:30pm, Friday 17 July

Yemeni Night feat. The Al-Awhadel Band LIVE

LAAF's Yemeni night at St George's Hall will be a celebration of Yemeni music featuring the mesmerising Al-Awhadel Band.

1:00pm, Saturday 18 July

Sudanese Culinary Arts and Literature

This event brings together recipes, oral histories, and cultural narratives that preserve Sudan’s heritage.

A promotional poster for 40 Days and 40 Nights

7:00pm, Saturday 18 July

40 Days and 40 Nights: Script in Hand Reading

Strap in for the ride of a lifetime and journey from the Mersey to the Middle East with ferries, fights, fun and family. Hop on, this is the bus you won't want to miss, next stop Yemen.

2:00pm, Sunday 19 July

A Journey Home: Family Screening and Workshop

A screening of four short animated films and a workshop centred around the theme of home, told through the perspectives of young characters.

2:00pm, Monday 20 July

The Other Refuge: Exhibition Launch and Artist Talk

An exhibition reflecting on 'belonging' through the eclectic perspectives of UK artists of Arab origin who have experienced displacement.

6:30pm, Tuesday 21 July

My Father and Qaddafi: UK Premiere and Q&A

A raw and reflective journey as Jihan pieces together a father she barely remembers, while discovering the troubled history of Libya.

2:00pm, Wednesday 22 July

The Refuge: Artist Talk

Through the perspectives of contemporary photography, this exhibition reflects on the notion of ‘home’ in the context of today’s Arabness.

6:30pm, Thursday 23 July

The Book of Damascus

An evening of readings, translations and discussions about the challenges that Damascus has survived and what lies ahead for it.

Tamsin Elliott (UK) and Tarek Elazhary (Egypt) on stage with another musician holding instruments.

8:00pm, Friday 24 July

Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary

Liverpool Arab Arts Festival presents a UK premiere performance from Tamsin Elliott (UK) and Tarek Elazhary (Egypt).

Simona Abdallah sitting on a percussion instrument.

2:30pm, Saturday 25 July

In conversation with Simona Abdallah: Finding Freedom Through Art

An afternoon of thought-provoking conversation intertwined with Simona’s powerful performances on the darbuka.

8:00pm, Saturday 25 July

Rhythms & Mixes: A Night with Simona Abdallah, DJ Hiba Salameh, and MUSYS

A night of exhilarating rhythms and mixes from three powerful female musicians of Arab heritage.

A crowd enjoying LAAF's family day in the Palm House. A child stands front and centre with seated audience either side.

12:00pm, Sunday 26 July

LAAF Family Day 2026!

Immerse yourself in a FREE afternoon of authentic Arab art, culture and community during this joyful celebration.

Volunteers will need to be available during the festival period and ideally commit to two shifts. Working with our small but dedicated team will provide volunteers with practical experience of event logistics and audience engagement in a public-facing environment.

Roles can range from: helping set – up for events; welcoming audience members; checking ticketing; supporting artists; assisting stage managers; supporting with the sales of merchandise; distributing surveys; and responding to audience questions…and much more!

Travel expenses will be covered, along with expenses towards lunch, if applicable for the shift.

Volunteers must be based within commuting distance of Liverpool as we are unable to fund long distance travel or accommodation. A full volunteer induction will be held in Liver pool or via Zoom before the festival.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE NOW CLOSED, THANK YOU.