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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Organisers confirm Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will return in 2026 as tickets set to go on sale
The organisers of the Back Doune the Rabbit Hole music festival have confirmed it will return again in July 2026 after its first re-branded event wowed thousands of revellers. Tickets for next year's Back Doune the Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) music festival are set to go on sale on Friday - less than a week after the most recent edition of the revamped event. BDTRH was staged last week at the Cardross Estate, near Port of Menteith, Stirling, as thousands of revellers enjoyed sets from headline acts Marc Almond, space rockers Hawkwind and The Zutons. The event's organisers were quick to announce that the 2026 edition of the festival will go ahead next July. In a statement on their social media page, the festival's organisers said they had been left 'humbled' by the response to the re-booted event – and confirmed it will return next year. They said: 'Wow, what a weekend! 'We cannot thank you all enough for your amazing support for the first Back Doune The Rabbit Hole Festival. 'The vibes and love have been unreal, and we're truly humbled. We know there's room for improvement and we're already working on it. 'As a small independent festival team, we believe our first year has been a huge success overall. 'We'll be sending out feedback forms soon and would love your help in shaping the future of the festival. For now, we're just so immensely grateful. 'Thanks to your support, we're thrilled to say we'll be back for 2026! Mark your calendars for July 17-19. 'Ticket information will be shared later this week. 'Finally, we'd like to send a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team behind the scenes who make events like these possible, as well as the amazing artists who brought the stages to life. We couldn't have done this without your tireless work, talent, and support.' Legendary group Hawkwind stepped in to fill the void following the withdrawal of Scots rockers The Fratellis who withdrew from the event. Tickets for the 2026 event go on sale at 10am on Friday, August 8.
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Back Doune The Rabbit Hole: Mini-Glastonbury resurrected with a bang
Cardross Estate, Stirlingshire **** By all accounts the previously self-proclaimed 'biggest independent festival in Scotland' should be dead and buried. The Doune The Rabbit Hole music festival was previously cancelled due to a union boycott over unpaid wages to staff and musicians. Festival organisers cancelled the 2023 edition and said they would not be issuing refunds to ticket holders. Mention the festival to some musicians and even punters and there has been some reticence after being burnt, while others had a sense that they should be given another chance. But over the space of three days, the festival under different management has made a sparkling comeback, albeit with a reduced attendance and with a new name - Back Doune The Rabbit Hole. READ MORE: 'Justice in the dock': UN probes Scots judge-led body's 'breach' of international law Bus firm off to England in £90m Scots public funding row may get even more Why did ministers back awarding of £350m in Scots ferry contracts to foreign firms? Some 10,000 people were attracted over the final Doune The Rabbit Hole in 2002 resplendent with three out of the four homegrown headliners - Belle and Sebastian, Amy Macdonald and Teenage Fanclub. The resurrected festival has started small and with a diverse range of headliners from a triumphant Marc Almond, one half of 80s electro-pop pioneers Soft Cell, the veteran but still clearly cosmic early purveyors of space rock Hawkwind and the crowd-pleasing indie rock combo The Zutons. With a site capacity of 5,000 - organisers estimated there would be 4000 on site at the weekend. A festival source said: "From the outset, we didn't aim to return at the same scale as the event under its previous ownership. For this first edition, our focus has been on creating a more intimate, grassroots atmosphere, and a smaller-scale event supports that perfectly." Bay City Rollers at Back Doune The Rabbit Hole 2025 (Image: Martin Williams) The festival had owed £800,000 to performers and crews in 2002, before the 2023 event was cancelled. But 58-year-old businessman Brian Harkin, a former musician, was "blown away" by the positive response from long-time fans of the event having decided to resurrect the festival at the stunning greenfield site at Cardross Estate on the fringe of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Music booking agency Rock Artist Management, who look after acts such as Hue & Cry and the Boomtown Rats, are part of the new management team. Mr Harkin's focus has been on rebuilding trust. Nevertheless, one of the questions it has felt compelled to answer on its website Frequently Asked Questions is: "Is the festival still going ahead?" He said: 'The support from fans and the local community has been incredible. From the beginning, we've focused on building something that feels genuine and welcoming. This first edition is all about creating the right atmosphere, with an emphasis on community, wellbeing and family-friendly fun. 'I couldn't be happier. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves has been incredible. I've had people hugging me, stopping me for chats, just full of good energy. Watching it all come together has been really special. He added: "I stepped in after the festival's previous cancellation and run of difficulties because I believed there was still something worth saving: the place, the atmosphere, and the loyal audience who simply want a weekend away from reality." And it has been confirmed that there will be a 2026 edition with dates for July already pencilled in and they don't expect to expand in terms of capacity. "The real ambition for 2026 is to take on feedback and shape the festival around what the fans want. A big part of that is continuing to support the independent Scottish festival scene and showing that these kinds of events can thrive.' In 2025, the organisers have even brought in talented band booker Chay Woodman, who's Solus tent at the late-lamented Wickerman festival was a highlight for many. His hands were all over the Burrowlands stage - where like with Solus things got louder, unpredictable and home to some of Scotland's and the UK's best emerging acts. Cwfen (Image: Martin Williams) They included the wild and truly wonderful Prodigy vs Limp Bizkit explosion that was the Sleuth Gang, the disturbing rants of polito-punkster Meryl Streek, the sometimes heavy and sometimes haunting screamo rock of Glasgow's Cwfen and the captivatingly biting rhymes of Scots alt hip-hopper and sometime front man of Stanley Odd, Solareye. The family-friendly festival remains more advanced from when the first one was unleashed 15 years ago with just 200 people and three stages of music with a line-up that was made up of mainly up-and-coming Scottish bands like Meursault and Withered Hand. It was then described as a two-day tea party in the countryside surrounding Doune Castle and it cost just £47 for the weekend with camping. In 2025 advance discount weekend camping tickets were costing £171.50 including a booking fee. The 2025 resurrection has not been without its difficulties. Saturday headliners The Fratellis dropped out over "the promoters... not fulfilling our contractual obligation to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance." As fears surfaced online that it was a repeat of issues that dogged the original festival, the organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole said the Glasgow rockers were lined up through a third-party and their withdrawal was out of their control. But when Marc Almond, one half of legendary electropop duo stepped on stage as headliner of the first night of the festival, there were hopes any concerns would dissipate. Technical problems during the set seemed to frequently disturb the singer, who was sounding pinpoint and looking immaculate in all black at the tender age of 68. But as agitated he seemed to be in moments - he quickly snapped into trouper-mode when singing with an array of passionately-delivered glittering hits from Something's Gotten Hold Of My Heart and The Days of Pearly Spencer to those Soft Cell classics, Tainted Love and Say Hello, Wave Goodbye. Arguably the band with the biggest crowd reaction and my award to band of the festival was actually a cover band. But not any old tribute act. It was Elvana, or Elvis Presley-fronted Nirvana. Elvana (Image: Martin Williams) While it sounds totally absurd, this quartet "from Disgraceland" who are actually from north east of England, won most over through a winning amalgam of mashups of Elvis and Nirvana classics, a huge dollop of comedy, and the beguiling stage presence and audience participation master that is the perma-smiling impersonator of The King aka Paul Kell. So a snippet of Elvis's Heartbreak Hotel soon makes way for a searing rendition of Nirvana's Lithium, and make no mistake, these guys can play. As fake Elvis wandered into the field and orchestrated the field to get down on their knees in preparation for a massive jump as the loud chorus of Smells Like Teen Spirit kicked in, one punter told me: "My knees are not what they were, but there is something about that guy that you have to try to do it and I am just loving all this. "That's the thing about festivals, you don't really know what to expect and I know I never ever expected this."
Daily Record
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Doune festival supremo praises "heart-warming" response as revamped event looms
Brian Harkin - who is the man behind Back Doune the Rabbit Hole - has praised the response from music fans and locals as the countdown to next week's festival ticks on. The brains behind the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole admits it has been a 'long road' back for the once-famous festival - but the excitement is building as the event takes shape. The festival takes place back at the Cardross Estate near Port of Menteith from August 1-3, with new ownership after the previous event collapsed amid controversial circumstances. Helensburgh businessman and musician Brian Harkin has been busy at the festival site coordinating the various stages and amenities as the final preparations kick into gear. Speaking to the Observer this week, he reflected on the support offered by both music fans online and the local community - as well as the body blow of headliners The Fratellis being forced to pull out after the third-party promoters in charge of their booking fell into liquidation. He said: 'We're all buzzing for things to get underway and everyone involved within the local community has been so friendly and supportive which is a really heart-warming thing. 'The build hasn't been without its issues because of the problems with the previous event, but it feels as if we've surpassed that. 'The ticket sales so far have been very good and as good as we expected them to be. 'We kept the brand of Doune The Rabbit Hole because it was much-loved for some time, while recognising how things were handled previously were obviously questionable and not done very well at all, to say the least. 'I know a lot of people who came to this festival before - all of my kids have been for example - and it saddens me that it all got so tarnished, but I know there is a lot of excitement about next week.' The line-up includes some big beasts in the music world, such as Liverpool indie favourites The Zutons, who top the bill on the Sunday evening, and Marc Almond - who headlines on Friday. Scouting for Girls, the Bay City Rollers, The Skids and Newton Faulkner will also be performing. But the Saturday evening showcase was forced to be changed after third-party promoter Wannasee Ltd entered financial trouble - leading to the 'Chelsea Dagger'-hitmakers cancelling four planned summer appearances - including at BDTRH. That spot has been filled by legendary space rockers Hawkwind, with the London group set to delight fans in attendance with a blend of styles from the progressive to the psychedelic. 'Getting Hawkwind in as a legends set was a bit of a blinder for us,' Mr Harkin adds. 'They're on fire at the moment and since it's been about 35 years since I've seen them live, I've told the team that I'll be tapping out when that set is on, although I won't be able to enjoy a pint. 'The first I knew on the Fratellis situation was straight after the liquidation was announced and it was an awful hurdle to overcome for us. 'We were injured by the Wannasee liquidation, just the same as the promoters and a long line of suppliers. 'Being honest, my heart sunk at that point but the online community really rallied behind us and our social team were really honest with the statement we put out and pointing out that we were victims and it wasn't anything to do with us.' As those dramas are finally put in the rear view mirror and the countdown ticking away, Mr Harkin is promising a return to the warm vibe associated with the Doune festival in the past. 'It's all about the family-friendly vibe and the programme we have on site for people is amazing. 'It will be a great event for those coming along - I've got a large family myself and all of my kids and grandkids are coming along, they've been buzzing about it as much as me!'
BBC News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Godiva Festival-goers in Coventry with fancy dress and flowers
The annual Godiva Festival has kicked off in Coventry, with tens of thousands of people due to three-day event, at the city's War Memorial Park, started on Friday and runs until Almond headlined on Friday, with sets from Neville Staple of The Specials, Clean Bandit, and Ocean Colour Scene to come over the weekend."We've come to dance and that's what we've been doing," said Leanne, a festival-goer from Nuneaton, who was dressed up as a butterfly and has been coming to the event for seven years. The festival is also known for showcasing local acts, with groups such as the Coventry-based Phase One Steel Orchestra, who are playing on which began as a one-day event in 1997, is a family-friendly festival that includes dance performances and craft sessions. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Coventry's Godiva Festival 2025: All you need to know
Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Coventry this weekend for the Godiva three-day annual music event will take place at the city's War Memorial Park from Friday until City Council, who organise the event, said it would be "another memorable weekend" for the Almond, Clean Bandit and Ocean Colour Scene are this year's headline acts. Godiva began as a free day-long event in 1997 and became a three-day event the following live music, the family festival also has dance and street performers as well as craft and sports sessions, along with food and drink years have seen headline acts such as The Enemy, Tom Grennan, Sir Bob Geldof, The Libertines and Paloma Faith take to the stage. When is Godiva Festival? This year, the festival is taking place between 4 to 6 will open at 18:00 BST on Friday with the event that day due to finish by 22:30 and Sunday will see gates open at midday. On Saturday, the last acts are due to be finished by 22:30 BST and on Sunday, the party will end at the earlier time of 19:00 festival is named after Coventry's famous medieval legend, Lady Godiva, who is believed to have ridden naked on horseback through the city more than 1,000 years ago in order to reduce taxes imposed by her husband, the Earl of Mercia. Is Godiva Festival free? Previously the event was a free, ticketless festival but charges were introduced by the council in authority said prices for a standard day ticket for this year's event start from £15 - with weekend tickets from £ aged under five or carers can attend for March, the authority announced ticket prices for 2025 would be frozen and earlier this year put £330,000 into the event to cover a shortfall for this year's show. Who is performing? Singer-songwriter Marc Almond will perform on Friday, alongside other acts such as Heaven 17 and Heather will see electronic group Clean Bandit, who have had four number one singles, take to the main stage along with the likes of Nathan Dawe, Rose Gray and a special guest, Neville Staple from The the festival on Sunday will be Birmingham rock band Ocean Colour Scene, with Rick Parfitt JR and dance group Diversity completing the set-times for each artist have been listed on the year, performances will take place across the Main Stage and the Cov Stage, which will host local talent. A third stage, the Cov ConneX Kingston Stage, will see young local musicians given the chance to perform in their home stage, first introduced at last year's festival, is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, with a grant worth almost £30,000. Do you need to bring photo ID? Admission to the event site will only be allowed with the presentation of a valid ticket, Godiva Festival of photographic identity may also be required at the time of entry, a spokesperson of entry, including prohibited items, are listed on the event's bag per person is allowed but it must be no bigger than an A4 sheet of ticket holder will also be subject to search upon restrictions are also in place following reports of stampeding youths at last year's event, which caused a festival stage to close down. How do I get to the festival? The War Memorial Park is about a 10-minute walk from Coventry Railway would also be signs to guide people to the entrance, a festival spokesperson Express Coventry also provides frequent bus services to the park from the city centre and the University of those coming by car, the postcode you will need if you are using maps is CV3 6GF, with car parking available on site each day for £15. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
