The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Take a trip down the rabbit hole
Quirky arts and music festival Doune the Rabbit Hole takes place in Stirlingshire this weekend, with Celtic fusion act Shooglenifty among the bands on the line-up.
Billed as one of Scotland’s most intimate music and arts festivals, boasting an “incredible community-spirited atmosphere other festivals can only dream of”, Doune the Rabbit Hole kicks off today.
Taking place at Stirlingshire’s idyllic Cardross Estate, the venue will play host to an array of Scottish and international talent, including San Francisco indie group Deerhoof and Shooglenifty, an Edinburgh Celtic fusion band.
Along with the pick of eclectic musical talent, the family-friendly event – now in its sixth year – will showcase a vibrant mix of arts and crafts workshops for kids and adults and a range of quality produce from Scottish food and drink suppliers.
With an event capacity of only 1,000, Doune the Rabbit Hole organisers pride themselves on being one of the country’s smallest festivals, giving the event a uniquely intimate and friendly atmosphere.
Expect people from all walks of life to attend, from toddlers and teenagers, through to ageing hippies.
There are about 80 bands performing and those headlining the four stages tonight are The Shiverin’ Sheiks, Deerhoof, Ceephax Acid Crew and The Ex, while on Saturday, headliners are Dick Gaughan, Shooglenifty, Benedek and Paws.
On Sunday, it’s Colonel Mustard & The Dijon 5, Them Beatles, Earl Gateshead (Trojan Sound) and Trembling Bells.
Other big-name acts include: The John Langan Band, a high-energy folk band from Glasgow, and Tantz, a Leedsbased band who fuse dub, hip-hop and Balkan beats.
Entertainment for children includes Beardy Weardy’s DIY Resplendent Adornments, a workshop where people can make wacky festival costumes from recycled materials. Learn about balance, wobbling and spinning with giant hula hoops, spinning plates and unicycles at Spinning Jenny’s Circus Skills.
There will also be free face painting, drama games, puppet making, a “free play” kids space and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, where general silliness is a must!
International cuisines are celebrated, with vendors including authentic Japanese food from Edinburgh-based Harajuku Kitchen and handmade sour dough traditional pizzas from Kingussie’s street food vendor Woodburns Espresso Pizza available to savour.
Jamie Murray, director of Doune the Rabbit Hole Community Interest Company, said: “This year, our line-up of musical talent is bigger and more diverse than we’ve ever had. The festival has every music genre, so there is literally a music act for everyone!
“Also, our array of arts and crafts workshops and stalls and food and drink offering is not to be missed. Our familyfriendly culture sets us apart from many of the larger festivals and we hope to see all ages again this year soaking up the atmosphere and having fun.
“The sense of community spirit is what makes Doune the Rabbit Hole so special and seeing so many amazing examples of Scottish culture in one place is very exciting.”
Ailsa Nicol, the event’s families coordinator, added: “All the workshops at the festival are family-friendly, so whether you fancy joining the drumming circle, making badges, or trying clay creations, there will be lots to keep you entertained.”
Over the years, the festival has enjoyed performances from top acts including Scottish indie legends The Vaselines, BMX Bandits, The Pastels, Polar Bear and Peatbog Faeries.
With fantastic established acts, others you may not have had the pleasure to hear yet, as well as workshops, masterclasses, comedy and poetry, plus more tasty food and drink than you can shake a stick at, it’s bound to be a weekend of discovery and pleasure!
Our line-up of musical talent is bigger and more diverse than we’ve ever had