Festival Intern - Granite Noir
Are you passionate about arts, literature, and live events? Do you thrive on creativity, teamwork, and a sprinkle of mystery? Then this is your chance to shine
We're on the hunt for two hard-working, enthusiastic individuals to join the team delivering Granite Noir 2026, Aberdeen's incredible crime fiction festival. This paid, full-time internship runs for eight weeks from Thursday 8 January - Wednesday 25 February 2026, and offers a front-row seat to the inner workings of one of Scotland's most exciting festivals.
As our programming intern, you'll dive into a variety of exciting tasks, from event management and author liaison to admin and travel and accommodation arrangements. As our marketing intern you'll dive into audience development, research, and social media wizardry.
As part of our friendly and experienced team, you'll help bring Granite Noir's eighth edition to life.
When:
The festival runs Thursday 19 February - Sunday 22 February 2026, so expect an action-packed week including evening and weekend work. You'll need to be available and present over all four days of the festival (weekend included) and work across our three venues - His Majesty's Theatre, The Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree.
Why you'll love this role:
* Get hands-on experience in arts, events, and festival planning.
* Immerse yourself in a world of literature, creativity, and community.
* Earn £12.60 per hour with the possibility of a contribution towards accommodation if you're joining us from outside Aberdeen.
What we're looking for:
* You've got some experience assisting with events and a love for arts and literature.
* You're a natural organiser with a flexible, can-do attitude, who loves being part of a team.
* Attention to detail and excellent communication skills (written and verbal) are your superpowers.
* Bonus points for experience in arts/festival/events management or creating social media content-but it's not essential.
Who we are:
Aberdeen Performing Arts is an award-winning creative hub at the heart of the city. We run three iconic venues-His Majesty's Theatre, The Music Hall, and The Lemon Tree-and deliver much-loved festivals like Granite Noir, Light the Blue, and Rise Up.
As a Real Living Wage employer, we're committed to offering a comprehensive benefits package, including staff discounts and ticket offers.
How to apply:
Visit our website at Aberdeen Performing Arts or send your CV and a covering letter (in whatever format you feel comfortable) to [email protected].
In your application, tell us:
• Why you'd love to work with Aberdeen Performing Arts.
• Why you're perfect for this role.
• How you'd create a SPARK (reference our values).
• Whether you would prefer to focus on programming or marketing during your internship.
Want to go the extra mile? You can include a video or audio application (max 5 minutes) via a We Transfer link to the email above. If applying by email, please also complete our online Diversity and Inclusion monitoring form.
Key dates:
• Closing date: Sunday 23rd November 2025 at midnight
• Interviews: Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd December 2025
We run a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, which offers disabled people or those who are care experienced a guaranteed interview, if they meet the essential criteria for the. Please let us know in your application if you would like to be considered in the Guaranteed Interview Scheme.
We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to the principle of diversity in all areas. Inthat spirit, applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences,abilityand perspectives areencouraged to apply.
This post does not meet the minimum requirements for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. We are therefore unable to consider applicants for this post that require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Get ready to make your mark on Granite Noir 2026. We can't wait to hear from you