Musician Iona Fyfe Advises Caution For Those Performing at This Year’s Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

MU member Iona Fyfe spoke today on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning show to discuss Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. She was joined by Paul McManus, Scotland Negotiations Officer at BECTU and stated her concerns, advising fellow musicians to contact the MU before agreeing to play this year’s festival.

A festival that is correctly managed does not have to enter into administration, or make deals which could see artists wait upto 3 years to be paid, or launch crowdfunders to alleviate difficulty despite being in reciept of public funds. Does not ask volunteers for £100 deposit. pic.twitter.com/FAV9ieONkL

— Iona Fyfe (@ionafyfe) June 8, 2023

MU advice for musicians playing or considering playing the festival

In Iona's interview, she explains how musicians should ensure that there is a signed agreement in place and full deposit obtained, prior to performing.

Sam Dunkley, MU Acting Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland agrees, and reiterates the importance of the following advice:

• Make sure that there is a signed agreement in place
• 100% of the deposit is paid up front
• There is a cut off date before the festival for the deposit to be paid, so you can make an informed choice about playing or not
• Get in touch with the MU via glasgow@themu.org for more advice if you’re considering playing.

Previous news on Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival

Last year the MU was made aware of a large number of artists and suppliers whose payments were significantly delayed for work during the 2022 festival.

Then earlier this year, MU Regional Organiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Caroline Sewell, met with the organisers of Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. It followed news that the festival had gone into liquidation and was managed by a different company, Festival Food Beverage and Property Services.