Rediscover magic as Back Doune The Rabbit Hole returns with new owners

The Herald Scotland

08-05-2025

To mark its triumphant return to the festival circuit, the event has been dubbed Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, with the revival coming under a new and experienced management team appointed to oversee the organisation of the 2025 festival.
The event is now being led by musician and festival organiser Brian Harkin, alongside Rock Artist Management's Colin Black and Paul Aspey. Managing bookings for over 70 bands, including Bay City Rollers, Bad Manners, and Big Country, Rock Artist Management is a company run by musicians, for musicians, and currently supplies acts for festivals and venues across the UK.
Strengthening the expertise of the new management line up is a wider team of music industry leaders who have a combined experience of over 45 years in running festivals. The team has organised over 150 festivals in the last 10 years. The new team's goal is simple: take what people loved about Doune in the early days, and build something solid, imaginative and inclusive.
"We're buzzing to bring Doune the Rabbit Hole back to life," said Brian Harkin. "The response and support so far have been incredible, and we're so grateful to everyone who's placed their trust in us to carry this festival forward.
This event has always been about bringing people together through a love of music, and we've worked hard to put together a lineup that reflects that spirit. We can't wait to welcome festivalgoers back to Cardross Estate in August for a weekend that stays true to what has made the festival special, while bringing new energy to lead it into this new chapter."
The festival, which ran successfully for 10 years before taking a two-year hiatus, has long been known for its diverse programming and laid-back atmosphere. The 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy while offering a revitalised and inclusive experience for festivalgoers of all ages.
The connection between the festival and its community has always been a defining feature. Many attendees return year after year, not just for the music, but for the eclectic atmosphere that sets it apart.
Families, long-time fans, first-timers, and artists alike have spoken about the unique sense of place that Doune offers. With the 2025 edition, organisers are hoping to rebuild that same sense of trust and belonging, while opening the gates to a new generation of attendees.
Headlining the weekend are Marc Almond on Friday, The Fratellis on Saturday, and The Zutons on Sunday, delivering high-energy performances that will frame a weekend packed with diverse musical talent.
The lineup reflects the festival's commitment to celebrating a wide range of genres, featuring chart-topping pop from Scouting for Girls, feel-good anthems from The Feeling, the soulful acoustics of Newton Faulkner, and the unique tribute act Elvana. Adding to the mix are acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan, folk-punk favourites Ferocious Dog, and the legendary Undertones, with more than 60 acts set to perform across five distinctive stages.
Pictured: Sunday's headliner, The Zutons
Each of the five stages brings something different to the table. The Garden is the main outdoor stage and the beating heart of the festival, perfect for those sunlit headline sets and crowd singalongs. The Big Top offers a covered space with big energy from morning to night. Mad Hatters, created in collaboration with Passenger, brings the best of Scotland's electronic and club scene into the wee hours.
Burrowlands highlights alternative and emerging acts, giving new voices and experimental performances a platform. Jabbers, the newest addition, introduces comedy and spoken word, with sets hosted by Elaine Robertson and Lee Kyle and a lineup drawn from the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe.
For families, the festival continues to be one of the most welcoming around. Wacky Warren, run by the returning Kidding Around team, is the dedicated kids' area with programming from 10am to 10pm. Children can expect a mix of imaginative and active play, from giant sandpits and train sets to craft zones, a teen space, an on-site library, and more. It's designed not only for kids to get stuck in but for grown-ups to enjoy time and space to relax too.
Food and drink have always played a big part in the festival experience, and Back Doune aims to get the balance just right. From locally sourced dishes and veggie-friendly options to late-night bites and proper coffee, there's something for every taste and budget.
The bars will be stocked with a mix of craft favourites and familiar staples, all at fair prices. Meanwhile, the new wellness and healing area will offer a slower pace for those looking to reset between sets. Expect everything from yoga sessions to creative workshops, guided meditation, and more.
Volunteer applications are open, offering a great opportunity for people to get involved behind the scenes. Volunteers contribute three shifts over the weekend and in return receive meals, access to crew camping, and all the perks of the full festival experience.
This is a great chance for anyone interested in events or looking to experience the festival from a different angle while helping make it all happen. Many volunteers return year after year, and the team welcomes both new and familiar faces.
The 2025 edition will include a range of changes designed to make the festival experience as smooth and welcoming as possible. From layout tweaks to on-site facilities, the team is working behind the scenes to create an environment that's inclusive for everyone.
For those not bringing a car, travel partners Happy Bus are offering return coach services from key Scottish cities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling, as well as a shuttle from Stirling city centre.
The festival's new management team have made it clear that this isn't just a return, it's a rebuild. The cancellation of the 2023 edition understandably shook the trust of many, but the new organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole are committed to transparency and good communication.
FAQ pages on the website aim to keep everyone informed about planning and improvements, and the team has already begun reaching out to the community, inviting feedback and ideas for the future.
"This is about more than putting on a good weekend," commented Brian. "It's about rebuilding something meaningful that people feel proud to be part of. That means getting the details right, being honest about the past, and listening to what people actually want from a festival like this. We're not here to replicate what came before, we're here to honour what made it special and make it stronger for the future."
The full line-up is now live, along with the day splits. Weekend and day tickets are available now at www.backdounetherabbithole.co.uk.
Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will run from Friday to Sunday, August 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2025.