At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise and coordinate activities for the Hesse Scheme at the Aldeburgh Festival.
- Company: Join Britten Pears Arts, a leading music and arts charity on the stunning Suffolk coast.
- Benefits: Earn £2,000, enjoy free concert access, and receive career advice from industry pros.
- Other info: Flexible hours with support, plus opportunities to explore arts careers.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience at a world-renowned festival while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and previous supervisory experience in fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 2000 - 2000 € per month.
Job Type: Temporary, fixed term from Wednesday 10 June – Monday 29 June 2026
Location: Aldeburgh Festival 2026: Snape Maltings and surrounding areas
Department: Performance Programme
Application Close: Friday 13 March 2026
About us: Britten Pears Arts (BPA) is a pioneering Music & Arts based charity, situated on the beautiful Suffolk coast, working across a wide range of activities. Music-related charitable work includes Artist Development, a year-round Performance Programme, Music in the Community and Creative Health and our Living Heritage Museum and Archive at The Red House. Together, these activities uphold the artistic legacy of our founders and continue their mission to make the arts useful and accessible to all.
The Aldeburgh Festival, founded in 1948 by composer Benjamin Britten and his life partner Peter Pears, remains one of the most distinctive and celebrated classical music festivals in the world. Every June, it brings together new commissions, world premieres and internationally acclaimed artists on the stretch of Suffolk coastline that so deeply inspired Britten and Pears. This year, we will be celebrating our 77th Festival and our 67th year of the Hesse Scheme.
The Hesse Scheme was launched in 1959 when Princess Margaret of Hesse and the Rhine wanted to ensure that more people, particularly young people, had access to the Aldeburgh Festival. The opportunity she created for people interested in music, heritage and the wider arts industry remains at the heart of the scheme today.
The role of Super Hesse is fixed term from Wednesday 10 June to Sunday 28 June 2026, and applicants should only apply if they are available to attend for the entirety.
Role Description: The Super Hesse is a supervisory role, responsible for managing the scheduling, care and day-to-day coordination of those in the Hesse Scheme attending the Aldeburgh Festival. Ideally, applicants will have previous experience in the Hesse Scheme, Super Hesse or Artist Liaison at the Aldeburgh Festival. Working closely with the Assistant Producer, you will manage the schedule of Hesse activities, arrange and lead daily briefings and act as the first point of contact for them. You will maintain communication with them across multiple sites during their working day, ensuring they feel well supported, informed and confident in their responsibilities. You will also gain first-hand experience of managing a team at an international arts festival, assisting with Festival logistics and attending a wide range of Festival events. Throughout the programme, you will meet staff at all levels across BPA and have opportunities to ask questions, explore career pathways and develop a greater understanding of what it is like to work within a major arts and heritage organisation. You will report to the Assistant Producer, Performance Programme, who will support you in your role and answer any queries you may have.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attending preparatory meetings with the BPA music programme
- Managing and overseeing the schedule for all Hesse activities across the Festival
- Arranging and leading daily briefings with the Hesse
- Coordinating travel arrangements for the Hesse with the Festival Transport team, ensuring they arrive safely at all required locations and return to their accommodation at the end of each working day
- Liaising with relevant departments as necessary
- Maintaining regular contact with the Hesse throughout their working day
We are looking for an applicant who has:
- Excellent communication skills
- Great pastoral skills, and is supportive, approachable and caring
- The ability to remain calm, organised and flexible when dealing with last-minute changes
- Experience of working in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment
- Experience in a supervisory role
- A high level of organisation and attention to detail
Due to the nature of the Festival, some irregular and evening hours are required, but we always make sure you are well supported and able to take appropriate breaks. There may be a requirement to use pool vehicles during Festival and therefore applications must be aged 21 or over and hold a full, clean UK driving licence.
What we offer you:
- A fixed fee of £2,000
- Self-catering accommodation in Aldeburgh/Snape
- One hot meal per day at one of the Snape Maltings catering outlets
- Reimbursement of your domestic travel expenses to and from Snape Maltings (up to the value of £100)
- Hands-on experience of an arts and heritage organisation and world-renowned Festival
- Career advice from industry professionals
- Free entry to concerts at The Aldeburgh Festival (where possible)
We are an equal opportunities employer and believe that diversity strengthens and enriches us. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates of all ages and from all backgrounds, in particular from global majority backgrounds and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented at Britten Pears Arts.
Aldeburgh Festival employer: Britten Pears Arts
Britten Pears Arts is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the prestigious Aldeburgh Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of the Suffolk coast. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will gain invaluable experience in arts management while enjoying a supportive work culture that values diversity and creativity. The role of Super Hesse not only provides hands-on experience but also access to industry professionals and the chance to attend world-class performances, making it a truly rewarding position for those passionate about the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aldeburgh Festival
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those connected to the Aldeburgh Festival. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews! Research the Aldeburgh Festival and Britten Pears Arts thoroughly. Know their history, mission, and recent projects. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you fit into their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the arts! Whether it’s through your previous experiences or personal projects, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for music and arts. Share stories that demonstrate your commitment and how you can contribute to the festival's legacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, keep an eye on our site for any updates or new opportunities that pop up. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join us!
We think you need these skills to ace Aldeburgh Festival
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts:When writing your application, let your love for music and the arts shine through! We want to see how your experiences align with our mission at Britten Pears Arts, so don’t hold back on sharing what inspires you.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Super Hesse role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in supervisory roles or working in fast-paced environments, as this will show us you're a great fit for the team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us while you’re at it.
How to prepare for a job interview at Britten Pears Arts
✨Know Your Festival History
Familiarise yourself with the Aldeburgh Festival's history and its founders, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. Understanding the festival's legacy and its impact on the arts will show your genuine interest and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Super Hesse, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed communication in previous roles, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate your ability to keep everyone informed and supported.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
The role requires you to remain calm and organised amidst last-minute changes. Think of past experiences where you had to adapt quickly and maintain composure. Sharing these stories will highlight your suitability for the dynamic nature of the festival.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Hesse Scheme and the festival logistics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your desire to understand the role better. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
