A SCOTTISH music and cultural festival is to be revived two years after a union boycott led to its demise.
Doune the Rabbit Hole, which was previously organised by former diplomat Craig Murray, is being taken over by recording and touring artist Brian Harkin and Preston-based booking agency Rock Artist Management.
The event ended in controversy last year when it emerged that the Perthshire festival owed hundreds of thousands of pounds to performers and staff who worked there in 2022,
The Bectu trade union, which represented artists and crews, called for a boycott of the event as the row over payments developed. Ultimately, Doune the Rabbit Hole was cancelled for the "foreseeable future" with managers accusing the trade union of running a "campaign of misinformation" leading to a fall in ticket sales.
They promise "renewed energy and careful organisation" with aims to restore the "high regard in which it was held by audiences before the challenges of 2023".
Harkin said the team is "absolutely buzzing" for the freshly renamed Back Doune the Rabbit Hole festival to return in 2025.
“As the team appointed to manage this much-loved music festival, we are privileged to be able to bring it back for audiences to enjoy," he said.
“Doune the Rabbit Hole has always been known for its unique atmosphere and diverse line-up, and we are thrilled to be able to uphold its traditions to ensure we produce a festival that is inclusive and family friendly, providing an unforgettable experience for festival goers of all ages.
“With a refreshed vision and a commitment to delivering the best festival experience yet, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back next August to relive the magic with Back Doune the Rabbit Hole.”
Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will run from August 1-3, 2025 at the Cardross Estate.
