Sophia Michaels
The fangirl-to-music industry professional pipeline walked so that the fangirl-to-walking tour guide pipeline could run. Holmes Chapel Partnership — the community-run organization in the English town where Harry Styles grew up — is recruiting fans to guide visitors through their popular Harry Styles Walking Map, which highlights significant landmarks related to the musician.
“Even during the wet winter months, Harries have continued to visit, braving muddy banks and wet fields to pay homage at Harry’s Wall,” the organization’s chairman Peter Whiers wrote in a newsletter. “Local businesses have seized the opportunity to cater to these visitors, with references to Harry in various locations around the village. But it is time for us to elevate our offerings and ensure that visitors have a truly memorable experience in the village which we are proud to call our own.”
The official guided tour, aptly titled Harry’s Home Village, was created in response to an uptick in visitors over the past year in particular. “With over 5,000 visitors and 4 TV crews making the pilgrimage to Holmes Chapel, Mandeville’s, and the Twemlow Viaduct, our village has seen a significant increase in footfall,” Whiers added.
In the next few weeks, Holmes Chapel Partnership will be on the hunt for the most ideal candidates for the role. The requirements listed on the job posting include: excellent communication and storytelling skills; an ability to lead and manage a group of tour participants; and a genuine interest in Holmes Chapel, its history and links to Harry Styles.
“We are particularly interested in recruiting Harry Styles fans aged 16+, but more senior individuals may also apply,” Whiers wrote. “We are looking for candidates who can confidently lead a group with enthusiasm, whilst being organised, punctual and patient.”
The tours will begin in June 2024 with sessions being held on Saturday mornings. The tour guides will work in pairs and trained to lead Styles fans — or Harries — in groups of up to 16 people through the walking map. The organization is expecting there to be “significant demand” in the coming months and is expected to add additional Saturday tours, and some weekday tours, throughout the summer.
“If you’re ready to combine your love for Harry Styles with a rewarding job as a tour guide in Holmes Chapel, apply now,” the job listing urges. Applications will close on April 15 — Harries, get ready to update your LinkedIn.
