The face of the festival
Without volunteers, there would be no LitFestBergen. They are the welcoming faces who greet the audience and participants first, who ensure that everything runs smoothly - and the ones who create the open and inclusive atmosphere, which lies at the heart of the festival. Registration for volunteers for LitFestBergen 2026 is now open, and we invite you to become part of the community!
The festival's producer, Maxine Padayachee, is responsible for recruiting and organization of the volunteers. She knows better than anyone how crucial they are.
«It is the volunteers who really set the tone and are the face of the festival. They are the ones that both authors and audiences meet, and who make everyone feel welcome and cared for», she says.
Maxine speaks from experience. She herself started as a volunteer during the festival in 2022, before being given responsibility for the volunteers the following year. Maxine comes from Durban in South Africa and has lived in Denmark, Scotland, and Fredrikstad. She has been a resident of Bergen since 2021, where she lives with her husband and two sons, aged nine and fourteen. She has a bachelor's degree in creative writing and a master's degree in English literature. At LitFest Bergen, she is responsible for all logistics and also the wonderful Silent Book Club, where we meet throughout the year to sit and read together.
She gained her organizational skills from running a swimming school for many years, where she worked with planning, logistics, and communication.
What's new in 2026?
«This year we have two volunteer coordinators. This way we can be sure that everything runs even more smoothly. In addition, we will engage the volunteers before the festival and not just during it – this could be in promotion or other tasks, depending on people's backgrounds and experience», says Maxine.
An exciting new feature in 2026 is that each author and guest will have their own volunteer guide, a person they can turn to directly for support and help if they need it.
«We are especially looking for volunteers who can speak languages other than the usual ones, as we already have guests from over twenty countries on the program», she says.
As a volunteer, you will gain valuable experience and a testimonial after the festival if you wish. You will receive a festival pass, light meals during your shifts, a 10% discount on book purchases at the festival bookstore Boksalongen, the unique festival T-shirt – and, last but not least, you will become part of a social community that will last long after the festival is over.
Join us – and meet us before the festival!
New this year is Meet & Greet on October 29 – a combination of an information meeting and a surprise party for all volunteers. This is a unique opportunity to get to know each other, ask questions, and get a taste of the festival atmosphere before it all kicks off.
«I always look forward to the first volunteer meeting, there is always such a good, expectant and curious atmosphere, always a room full of extra nice people who share an interest in literature and the world», says festival director Teresa Grøtan.
«After the festival, you are left with experience, a network – and hopefully memories for life», Maxine adds.
Need even more good reasons to volunteer at Bergen's largest and only international literature festival? Hear what some of our volunteers have to say about the experience:
Volunteer coordinator Magdalena Gebel:
«Being a volunteer at the Bergen Literature Festival 2025 was an incredible experience, full of inspiration, new friendships, and unique encounters with authors. For the upcoming edition, I became a volunteer coordinator together with Irina Svolsbru, which is both an honor and a great joy. I warmly encourage everyone to join – it’s a unique adventure and a chance to be part of the international literary community.»
Volunteer coordinator Irina Svolsbru:
«That's what we do and I'm proud of being a part of it! It's something special about the whole atmosphere during the festival. Great books, great people, great conversations!»
Volunteer Victoria Betis:
«I'd say that the festival is one of the busiest week of the year for my brain! I met many different people, and got so much inspiration from them and from the different talks I've been to. It feels like home to be surrounded by people who share the same passion.»
Welcome as a volunteer at LitFestBergen 2026!