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- Tasks: Manage queues, assist customers, and ensure a smooth festival experience.
- Company: Join the Edinburgh International Book Festival, a world-leading cultural event.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ13.45 per hour, plus holiday pay, in a vibrant festival atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team celebrating creativity and ideas exchange.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a positive, enthusiastic attitude required.
- Other info: Full-time role from 12th to 30th August 2026, with training days included.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 ÂŁ per year.
Posted on: 14th April, 2026. Closing date: 7th May, 2026. Apply by 7 May 2026 at 11:59 pm for this full‑time, fixed‑term role based in Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and hardworking Front of House Assistants for this year’s festival. Ideally, you’ll have previous experience in a customer‑facing role, high standards of presentation and confident communication skills. You will also have the ability to work as part of a large team, problem solve under pressure and a strong attention to detail.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a world‑leading cultural festival, with democracy, creativity and ideas exchange at its heart. They celebrate the power of words and writing in all of their dynamic and imaginative forms, bringing diverse perspectives together, and empowering their audiences to deepen their understanding of our ever‑changing world.
The team: The Front of House team comprises the Manager, Assistant Manager, Supervisors and Front of House Assistants. They are responsible for looking after our customers on site and ensuring our audiences are seated promptly.
The role: Front of House Assistants have specific responsibility for:
- Managing queues and seating audiences efficiently to ensure events start on time
- Monitoring venues and public areas to ensure that they are kept clean, tidy, safe and fully stocked with relevant supplies
- Answering customer queries, providing up‑to‑date information and excellent customer care at all times
- Assisting families with young children and patrons with disabilities around the site
- Assisting in venue set up, including preparation of reserved seating for disabled customers and distribution of materials for children’s workshops and interactive events
- Operating roving microphones for question and answer sessions
- Liaising with teachers to check large school groups on and off site
- Monitoring the audience and venues to prevent and detect emergency situations
- Evacuating the public in the event of an incident
- Contributing to Edinburgh International Book Festival’s environmental sustainability work by encouraging visitors to use the on‑site recycling facilities
Person specification: This is an ideal opportunity for individuals who wish to build on their existing customer service skills in a high‑pressure festival environment. Excellent customer service and communication skills, enthusiasm, and an ability to work effectively as part of a team are all essential for this role. The successful candidate will possess the following:
- Previous customer‑facing experience, preferably in a large‑scale festival or arts environment
- Excellent customer service and confident communication skills
- High standards of presentation, commitment and responsibility
- Attention to detail and ability to problem‑solve under pressure
- The ability to work as part of a team
- An enthusiastic personality and a flexible, positive attitude
- Experience or an understanding of a live events or festival environment
- Experience of working with children and families
Pay Rate: ÂŁ13.45 per hour, paid weekly in arrears by bank transfer (plus holiday pay).
Contract: Fixed‑term contract from Wednesday 12 August — Sunday 30 August 2026, full‑time. In general, staff are required to work an average of 42 hours per week (6 days out of 7), on a shift basis, between Monday and Sunday. Morning shifts can start from 08:00 and evening shifts generally finish at 23:30. Rotas will be issued at the beginning of your contract but may be subject to change. There will be two training days, Wednesday 12 August and Thursday 13 August 2026. Attendance at all training days is compulsory.
Location: This is an on‑site role at the Edinburgh International Book Festival site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh.
Front of House Assistant (Edinburgh International Book Festival) employer: Publishing Scotland
Contact Detail:
Publishing Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Front of House Assistant (Edinburgh International Book Festival)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Edinburgh International Book Festival! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your enthusiasm and understanding of what they stand for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think about scenarios you might face as a Front of House Assistant and how you'd handle them. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it comes to real-life situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to people who have worked at the festival before or in similar roles. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see your passion shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Front of House Assistant (Edinburgh International Book Festival)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the Edinburgh International Book Festival shine through! We want to see that you're excited about being part of such a vibrant cultural event.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous customer-facing roles you've had, especially in festivals or arts environments. We love seeing how your past experiences can contribute to our 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. This helps us get a quick understanding of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at the festival.
How to prepare for a job interview at Publishing Scotland
✨Know the Festival Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the Edinburgh International Book Festival thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its history, mission, and the types of events they host. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you answer questions about why you want to be part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about customer interaction, prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided excellent customer service. Think of specific situations where you solved problems or went above and beyond for a customer, as this will demonstrate your capability in a high-pressure environment.
✨Dress to Impress
Presentation matters, especially in a role that involves interacting with the public. Dress smartly and appropriately for the interview to reflect the high standards expected at the festival. This shows that you take the opportunity seriously and understand the importance of first impressions.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
As a Front of House Assistant, you'll be part of a large team. Be ready to discuss your experience working in teams, how you handle conflicts, and your approach to collaboration. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your teamwork skills effectively.