Reggae stars headed for Doune the Rabbit Hole

Stirling family-friendly music festival Doune the Rabbit Hole has bagged Bob Marley’s backing band The Wailers making the 2019 line-up the strongest yet.

The Wailers’s catalogue spans more than 50 years with hits like ‘No Woman, No Cry’, ‘Buffalo Soldier’, ‘I Shot the Sheriff ’, ‘Jamming’ and ‘Exodus.’

The 2015 reunion of the legendary band, led by original bassist Aston ‘familyman’ Barrett, spawned their ‘Legend’ US and UK tour.

Held over three days – Friday July 19 to Sunday July 21 – DtRH, now in its 10th year, the first wave of more than 50 artists have been announced.

As well as The Wailers the line-up will also feature Michigan-born former Czars frontman John Grant, dub pioneer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Hot 8 Brass Band, Scottish punk flag-bearers The Skids, punk poet John Cooper Clarke and award-winning singer songwriter and musician Kathryn Joseph.

Festival director Jamie Murray said: “We’re excited to announce the first wave of artists, and the most eclectic line-up yet, for our 10th birthday DtRH with more announcements to follow.

“This year’s festival features everything from dub to reggae, performance poetry to experimental rock, jazz, funk, folk and pop punk and performances from international acts including legendary band The Wailers (of Bob Marley fame) direct from Jamaica and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, established, highly regarded US performers such as John Grant and Battles and diverse British artists including Beak> and Kathryn Joseph.

“Doune the Rabbit Hole prides itself on offering a relaxing and invigorating experience for festival fans from catching bands perfect for the summer to sampling delicious locally produced food and drink, yoga workshops and a host of family activities to keep children entertained, more of which will be detailed soon.

“We’re proud to continue our under 12s go free policy with weekend tickets for under 18s priced at just £30 including camping, ensuring its one of the best value festivals in the UK for families.”

Other artists announced are And So I Watch You From Afar, Japanese trio Shonen knife, and Brooklynbased Battles.

And snoker and DJ Legend Steve Davis, who was a big draw in 2017, will make a return to the festival this year.

■A Doune the Rabbit Hole 10th anniversary year special warm-up show will take place in Edinburgh on Saturday February 23 at the Bongo Club in Cowgate.

It will feature The Cosmic Dead, Other Lands, Kapil Sheshasayee and Dr VZX Moist.

■For DtRH festival ticket information and updates on Doune The Rabbit Hole 2019 visit : @dounetherabbit | #DTRH2019 | www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk | www. facebook.com/ DouneTheRabbitHole