YOUTH MATTERS Sean Kennedy...Fancy seeing the top festivals on a budget? Then get volunteering

Leeds, Reading and Download festivals provide a wealth of new music, fantastic headlining acts and unmatched atmosphere.

All needs are met with camping, food stalls, open air bar, buses to town and plenty of merchandise to choose from.

But all of this comes at a price, tickets alone can cost upwards of £150.

There is however an answer that can cut down costs and still allow people to enjoy the festival through volunteering.

So far I have volunteered twice and would recommend it to anyone.

It is an excellent way to meet people and give a chance to see behind the scenes, sometimes meeting the acts themselves.

Many people are aware that charities such as Oxfam who provide a ‘free’ ticket in exchange for your services as a steward or a litter picker.

But some are put off by the large refundable deposit (£300 in some cases) or the long hours litter picking in the notorious British summer showers.

This should not put you off; your camping, food and often some drinks are provided over the shift which means you have to bring less with you.

Also, once the deposit is paid you can volunteer at multiple festivals over the summer.