Spotlight On: Oban Winter Festival

Today (5 December) is International Volunteer Day, which celebrates and recognises the contributions of volunteers worldwide. It is an opportunity to applaud the selfless efforts of individuals who dedicate their time and skills to make positive changes in their communities and beyond.?

To mark the day, we caught up with Pamela Lockhart, one of the volunteer organisers of the Oban Winter Festival, which this year took place from 15 to 24 November and was supported through our National Events Programme, to find out how volunteers deliver this award-winning festival and what it means to her.??

Tell us a bit about Oban Winter Festival and how it is organised??

Oban Winter Festival had its origins in 2010 when a group of friends organised a Victorian Market and outside food court to run alongside the established Reindeer Parade. This was so well received by the community that the event was extended to a 10-day Festival in 2011. The small committee of volunteers began calling on the local community, business, charities, schools, choirs and pipe bands to come on board to produce a programme of events.?

Tell us a bit about your role with the volunteer organising committee and the roles you all fulfil how long you have been involved??

The volunteer organising committee is made up of five dedicated members, including two of the original founding members. Over the years, we’ve grown into a well-established team, recently completing our 13th festival and solidifying our place as a key event on the local calendar.?

To successfully deliver the event, each volunteer committee member takes on specific responsibilities to ensure the festival's success. Some focus on reaching out to groups to coordinate events and add them to the programme, while others manage the crafters, assigning them to markets and ensuring their needs are met. For Winter Woods, our roles include liaising with actors, crafters, drivers, food vendors, and marshals to create a seamless experience.?

Additional duties include overseeing event safety, completing essential forms, and arranging security. We also manage finances, care for our beloved mascot Coolio, and organise our growing Haggis Festival.?

While each member has defined roles, teamwork is at the heart of what we do. We collaborate closely to support one another and ensure every task is completed.?

Our collective efforts have been recognised with several honours, including The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, reflecting the dedication and passion that drive our work.?

Why is being part of the volunteer organising committee so important to you??

Being part of a volunteer committee is very special. As we are volunteers it attracts others to join in and help. Businesses, other charities and groups are always appreciative of the work we do and are generous with their support. The Festival is a community event, and the programme is open to everyone who wishes to host an event. A community event is a wonderful thing as it is embraced by everyone who lives here and those who travel to enjoy the local culture.?

What is your advice to others who are thinking of volunteering??

Do it, you will never regret the fun, friendship and community warmth you receive. We are always met with a smile when we drop off the eagerly awaited programmes to shops ready for the community and visitors to pick up. Volunteering your time, ideas, talents – sharing, is a wonderful thing to do and gives benefits to you and others.?