Training & Development
Festival & Carnival Lab
Where Passion Meets Production
A unique, free-to-attend training programme co-created by Global Carnivalz and Global Local — developing the next generation of Carnival and festival producers through hands-on placements at the UK's biggest events.
30+
Industry Mentors
9+
UK Festivals
Free
To Attend
Paid
Placements
About the Programme
Carnival and Festival is a unique training programme created by Global Local, Global Carnivalz and industry partners — designed to develop the next generation of festival and carnival producers.
Students learn directly from experienced professionals who have delivered major festivals and cultural events across the UK. This isn't classroom theory — participants gain real-world experience working on live events at scale.
The programme is free to attend, includes paid work placements across the UK, and provides 365 days of career support and alumni access. Applications are open now — Spring 2026 intake, London.
Curriculum
What You Learn
Placements
Real Festival Experience
Our students have gained real experience working across some of the country's most respected festivals and carnivals.
Somerset
Glastonbury Festival
Placement available
London
Notting Hill Carnival
Placement available
London
Hackney Carnival
Placement available
Winchester
Boomtown
Placement available
Donington Park
Download Festival
Placement available
Oxfordshire
Wilderness Festival
Placement available
Cambridgeshire
Secret Garden Party
Placement available
Northamptonshire
Shambala
Placement available
Nationwide
Great Get Together
Placement available
Process
Your Path to the Stage
01
Apply
Send us your story. No experience needed — just passion.
02
Learn From Industry Experts
Get taught by producers behind the UK's biggest events.
03
Hands-on Workshops
Roll up your sleeves. Build, rig, plan, produce.
04
Real Festival Placements
Work backstage at world-famous festivals and carnivals.
05
Mentoring
1:1 sessions with your dedicated industry mentor throughout the programme.
06
Professional Network
Meet producers, promoters, agents and alumni.
07
Launch Your Career
Step onto the scene — with the CV to prove it.
Alumni
Student Stories
"Carnival and Festival didn't just teach me — it dropped me straight into Notting Hill Carnival. I walked out with a CV, a mentor, and a whole new family."
Amara O.
Alumni · Stage Manager
"I went from watching festivals to producing them. The mentors are the real deal — people you'd never get access to otherwise."
Jordan M.
Alumni · Production Coordinator
"Free to attend, paid placements, and I actually got hired. This course is a launchpad, plain and simple."
Kai R.
Alumni · Carnival Operations
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Ready to Build Your Future in Festivals?
Join a community of creatives, gain hands-on experience at world-famous festivals, learn from industry leaders, and turn your passion into a career. Applications are open — Spring 2026 intake, London.