Music festival courier jobs are a great way for owner drivers to tap into seasonal demand and take on work that’s varied and well paid. From backstage freight to artist kit and press materials, these jobs go far beyond a standard A-to-B delivery. They offer a chance to work directly with organisers, artists, and media teams — and often lead to repeat bookings.
If you’re looking to grow your client base or just want something different from your usual same-day courier jobs, live events and festivals can offer new opportunities. Here’s what to expect and how to get started.
What we’ll cover
Why music festival courier jobs are worth considering
Courier work linked to festivals and live events tends to pick up from late spring through to early autumn. During this period, event teams rely on trusted drivers who can handle last-minute loads, cross-border drops, and on-site delivery restrictions.
UK festivals need plenty of help from local couriers. But if you’re willing to travel, there’s also high demand across Belgium, France and the Netherlands — especially from UK-based shippers managing European events.
This type of work often pays well, particularly when deadlines are tight or the freight is valuable. You might be transporting staging, lighting rigs or even a performer’s personal gear. And if you’re reliable and easy to work with, there’s a strong chance you’ll be asked again.
What type of loads to expect during live event courier jobs
Festival-related loads vary by venue, timing, and the type of event. But there are a few consistent job types you’ll come across.
Common loads for music transport jobs
You won’t always be moving full stage rigs, but it’s not uncommon. Typical loads include:
- Band and crew luggage
- Stage props, lighting and power equipment
- PA systems and sound desks
- Printed signage, wristbands, and other event collateral
- Artist merchandise and press kits
Some of these jobs may come via agencies offering specialist courier services, while others are posted directly by shippers or event teams on platforms like Courier Exchange.
Time-sensitive delivery expectations
Timing matters more than anything with music festival courier jobs. Some jobs may need late-night collection, early-morning drop-off, or timed delivery at a loading bay with strict access rules. So offering a same-day or 24-hour courier service could set you apart.
Backstage zones often use vehicle passes, and you’ll need to liaise with security. Some couriers even stay on-site during the event for return loads or kit breakdowns.
What you’ll need to succeed
Festival courier work isn’t just about speed — it’s about reliability, vehicle prep, and communication. Here’s what helps.
- Courier van security: Many loads are high value. You may be asked to provide slam locks, deadlocks or tracking devices.
- Courier insurance: Check that your policy covers audio/visual equipment, media kits and overnight freight if needed.
- CMR insurance: If you’re heading into Europe, make sure you’re covered under CMR insurance rules.
- PPE: Some festival sites expect you to bring high-vis clothing and steel-toe boots for backstage access.
- Tech: A mobile phone with maps, contact access and vehicle tracking apps makes life easier and keeps clients informed.
You should also make sure your vehicle is clean and presentable — especially if you’re delivering directly to artist teams or VIP areas.
Where to find live event courier jobs
If you’re looking to move into event-based courier work, you’ll need to know where the loads are. Word of mouth plays a part, but platforms and brokers can help too.
Freight exchanges and specialist freight forwarders
Courier Exchange is one of the fastest ways to pick up owner driver jobs tied to music festivals. Shippers post loads needing same-day or timed delivery, and many will flag event-related work directly in the job listing.
There are also freight forwarding agencies that specialise in live events, AV kit, and entertainment logistics. Signing up with one of these specialist services can help you get a foot in the door, especially during peak season.
Repeat work and building relationships
If you’re reliable, polite and keep to deadlines, you’re far more likely to be remembered. Many production companies and tour managers stick with the same couriers for entire seasons.
This means even a single drop at a small local gig could turn into regular work. Once you’ve built relationships, you might get asked to cover an entire event tour or regional circuit.
Major UK and EU festivals needing courier support
Here are some of the bigger festivals that regularly need courier support, either directly or via contracted suppliers.
UK events with high courier demand
- Glastonbury Festival (Somerset): AV kit, media packs, band gear
- Reading & Leeds: Multiple stage setups across two sites
- Download Festival (Donington Park): High volume of music tech freight
- BBC Proms (London): Theatre, lighting and stage prop movement
- Arena tours: These happen year-round, not just in summer
EU events for cross-border opportunities
For drivers based in the South East or Midlands, EU jobs are within easy reach via the Eurotunnel or ferry. Here are some common festivals where music equipment transport work pops up:
- Rock Werchter (Belgium): AV and merchandising loads
- Tomorrowland (Belgium): VIP equipment, artist support
- Lowlands Festival (Netherlands): Crew kits and sponsor materials
- Hellfest (France): Lighting, backline equipment
- Paris Jazz Festival (France): Publicity and audio freight
These events often have British-based organisers or artists, so UK couriers are regularly needed.
Final thoughts: getting started with events deliveries
Music festival courier jobs can add real variety to your work, with the added benefit of better rates and repeat bookings if you make a good impression. From high-energy UK festivals to well-known events across Europe, there’s plenty of seasonal demand for couriers who can turn up on time and deliver with care.
If you’re kitted out with the right gear, have your courier insurance sorted, and enjoy working in fast-paced environments, this type of work could be a solid addition to your load calendar.
Stay alert on platforms like Courier Exchange, look out for last-minute jobs, and treat every event as a chance to build new contacts. It might start as a one-off delivery — but it could lead to a season’s worth of owner driver jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of van is best for music festival courier jobs?
A medium wheelbase van works well for most deliveries, especially when access is limited. If you’re moving heavier gear, a Luton or tail lift van helps — particularly when no forklift is available.
Do I need extra insurance for live event courier jobs?
Yes. You’ll need goods-in-transit cover and public liability insurance as a baseline. If you’re going into the EU, make sure you also hold valid CMR insurance.
Are there peak months for equipment transport work?
Yes — most work is between May and September. But don’t rule out off-season events. Christmas concerts, arena tours, and winter festivals often need couriers too.
Can I find this work on Courier Exchange?
Definitely. Look for time-sensitive or high-priority loads, and use search filters to catch same day courier jobs with event-related descriptions. These often come from media, AV, or entertainment clients.
Do music transport jobs pay more than regular courier work?
They often do — especially when you’re dealing with short-notice jobs, high-value courier work, or out-of-hours collections. Event teams are usually happy to pay more for experienced, reliable couriers.
