Latest news with #BrianHarkin
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Promoters blamed for The Fratellis cancelling Scots festival appearance set to enter liquidation
Third-party promoter Wannasee Ltd has confirmed it "is now in the process of entering liquidation" after being blamed for the band withdrawing from their headline slot. The third-party promoter blamed for The Fratellis withdrawing from their headline slot at the forthcoming Back Doune the Rabbit Hole festival is on the brink of liquidation. The 'Chelsea Dagger' hitmakers pulled out of their planned performance at the revamped festival this August, pointing to the failure of the promoters to "fulfil contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance". Back Doune Ltd, the festival's organisers, pointed the finger at a third-party promoter, Wannasee Ltd, for the band's withdrawal. This week, Wannasee Ltd has confirmed its involvement in the festival's launch and indicated through a spokesperson that the company "is now in the process of entering liquidation". Despite the set back, Back Doune Ltd directors – Brian Harkin, Colin Black, and Paul Aspey – have stressed their commitment to proceed with the festival. They assured fans last week: "We know that is disappointing news. We feel it too. But we want to reassure you that this is not part of a wider problem with the event. Everything else is on track, and we are already working on a brilliant new Saturday night headliner." They added: "In the early planning stages, we brought in external support from several individuals to help with logistics, ticketing and artist bookings. Some of those individuals were affiliated with the Wannasee Group. "For many in the live events world, that name is now associated with a series of cancelled festivals and serious concerns about mismanagement. "We want to be really clear that these individuals were never directors or owners of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole. At the time, there were no obvious signs of the problems that later came to light at the other events they were involved with. "Like many others, we have had to deal with the consequences of how they operated, and that has included the cancellation of The Fratellis performance." Wannasee Ltd this week confirmed that it was involved in assisting with the launch of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, adding that it was "working collaboratively with the team at Back Doune Ltd while they got the event up and running". A spokesperson for Wannasee Ltd said: "To clarify, Wannasee Ltd has never held a shareholding or directorship in Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, nor has it ever had any ownership of the event. "Wannasee Ltd is now in the process of entering liquidation following wider industry challenges affecting its own portfolio of events. "We wish the team at Back Doune Ltd every success in delivering what we're sure will be a fantastic festival this summer." Wannasee, known for promoting its own festivals, has had to cancel their events amid the company's difficulties. Back Doune the Rabbit Hole director Brian Harkin reflected on the festival's challenges last week, saying: "This has been a challenging moment, but our commitment to the festival and its future hasn't changed. "We took on Back Doune the Rabbit Hole because we believe in the power of independent music events and the community they bring together. "Being independent means we are able to stay true to our values and keep building something real, even when things get tough. "The rest of the lineup is solid, and we're focused on delivering the weekend we've promised. We're in this for the long haul, and doing everything we can to create a festival that our audience, artists, team and local community can be proud of." The eagerly anticipated event is set to take place at the Cardross Estate in Port of Menteith, Stirling, with the dates locked in for August 1-3. Top-billed names so far include The Zutons, who are set to headline Sunday, and Marc Almond leading Friday night's festivities, while attendees await the announcement of the Saturday headliner which will fill the spot left by The Fratellis. The line-up also boasts Scouting for Girls, The Feeling, Newton Faulkner, Skids, The Bay City Rollers and others. This year marks the inaugural edition of the revamped festival, taking the baton from its former entity, the Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. Doune The Rabbit Hole had previously secured its spot as a highlight within Stirling's cultural agenda before encountering difficulties and inevitably folding. The festival was previously managed by Jamie Murray – who accumulated nearly £1million in debts, leaving only £2.38 in the company account to pay creditors. When Mr Murray closed the company behind the festival in 2022, numerous performers, staff and businesses were left unpaid. His father, the jailed Salmond blogger Craig Murray, assumed control over the 2023 festival under a new company, aiming to clear the debts owed by his son's former firm using profits generated by the festival. However, the event was scrapped a month prior to its scheduled date, leaving creditors in the dark.
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole confirm festival will go ahead after The Fratellis withdraw from line-up
The organisers insist the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole music festival will go ahead despite The Fratellis cancelling their set over an unpaid deposit. The team behind Back Doune the Rabbit Hole music festival have said they remain committed to pushing forward with this year's event, despite The Fratellis withdrawing from their headline slot due to an issue over an outstanding deposit. The Stirling Observer reported last week that the 'Chelsea Dagger' hitmakers had backed out of their scheduled set at the upcoming Back Doune the Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) festival citing failure on the side of the promoters to 'fulfil contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance'. The organisers, who said they arranged the band's participation through an external third-party promoter, expressed their regret, stating it is 'sad to share' that The Fratellis will not perform at the event, attributing it to 'circumstances outside our control'. In a post on their official website, The Fratellis said: 'Unfortunately our planned Summer festival appearances at the recent Stone Valley South, and forthcoming Monument, Back Doune The Rabbit Hole and Lindisfarne Festival will not be going ahead. 'This is due to the promoters of each event not fulfilling our contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the band's appearance.' The BDTRH festival organisers have since released an update addressing the concerns of disappointed fans, shedding light on their stance. In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, they acknowledged the fans' frustration, saying: 'We care deeply about this festival and the community around it, and we want to be transparent about what has been going on and how we are moving forward. 'Back Doune the Rabbit Hole is independently owned and operated by Brian Harkin, Colin Black and Paul Aspey through Back Doune Ltd. We took this on because we love Scotland's music scene and saw a real opportunity to create something meaningful and homegrown.' The organisers went on to explain: 'We were aware of the history that came with this festival name, but we also believed it was worth trying to build something better from it. That belief has not changed.' Regarding the involvement of external parties, the statement elaborated: 'In the early planning stages, we brought in external support from several individuals to help with logistics, ticketing and artist bookings. 'We want to be really clear that these individuals were never directors or owners of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole. At the time, there were no obvious signs of the problems that later came to light at the other events they were involved with. Like many others, we have had to deal with the consequences of how they operated, and that has included the cancellation of The Fratellis performance.' The team behind BDTRH are steadfast in their commitment to proceed with plans for this year's festival. They acdded: 'We know that is disappointing news. We feel it too. But we want to reassure you that this is not part of a wider problem with the event. Everything else is on track, and we are already working on a brilliant new Saturday night headliner. 'Back Doune the Rabbit Hole is fully independent, and we are proud of that. In a time when true independence is rare, it gives us the freedom to stay focused on what matters most. That focus now is on delivering an amazing weekend in August. We are in a strong position, and we are moving forward with the support of a brilliant team around us.' The much-awaited event is scheduled to take place at the Cardross Estate, Port of Menteith, in Stirling, slated for August 1-3. Event director Brian Harkin commented on the festival's progress, saying: 'This has been a challenging moment, but our commitment to the festival and its future hasn't changed. We took on Back Doune the Rabbit Hole because we believe in the power of independent music events and the community they bring together. 'Being independent means we are able to stay true to our values and keep building something real, even when things get tough. 'The rest of the lineup is solid, and we're focused on delivering the weekend we've promised. We're in this for the long haul, and doing everything we can to create a festival that our audience, artists, team and local community can be proud of.' This year marks the debut of the revamped festival under new stewardship, following up from its predecessor, the Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival. Doune The Rabbit Hole had previously secured its spot as a highlight within Stirling's cultural agenda before encountering difficulties and inevitably folding. The festival was previously managed by Jamie Murray – who ran up nearly £1million in debts with only £2.38 in the company account to settle with creditors. A number of disgruntled performers, staff and businesses remained unpaid when Mr Murray closed the company behind the festival in 2022. His father, the jailed Salmond blogger Craig Murray, assumed control over the 2023 festival under a new company, aiming to clear the debts owed by his son's former firm using profits generated by the festival. However, the event was scrapped a month prior to its scheduled date, leaving creditors in the dark.
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots rockers The Fratellis pull out headline festival appearance after promoters fail to pay deposit
The Fratellis have pulled out of an appearance at a revived music festival in Stirling this summer, after accusing the promoters of not paying a deposit to secure the band. Scots rockers The Fratellis have pulled out of a headline appearance at a revived Stirling music festival – blaming promoters for 'not fulfilling our contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the bands appearance'. The group had been set to headline the revamped Back Doune the Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) festival at the Cardross Estate, near Port of Menteith, Stirling, this August. But the organisers - who say they booked the band through a third-party promoter - announced that it was 'sad to share' the news that the Fratellis will no longer be appearing blaming "circumstances outside our control". A statement said: 'We're sorry to confirm that The Fratellis will no longer be performing at Back Doune the Rabbit Hole. 'Their appearance was arranged through a third-party promoter, and unfortunately, due to circumstances outside of our control, the booking has not been fulfilled. Like many of you, we're incredibly disappointed by how this has unfolded. 'We know how much people were looking forward to their set, and we completely understand the frustration. 'We're working hard behind the scenes to secure a brilliant replacement and will be announcing your new Saturday night headliner very soon. 'Thank you for your patience and continued support. We'll have a further update for you shortly.' The Chelsea Dagger rockers took to their website with a statement which read: 'Unfortunately our planned Summer festival appearances at the recent Stone Valley South, and forthcoming Monument, Back Doune The Rabbit Hole and Lindisfarne Festival will not be going ahead. "This is due to the promoters of each event not fulfilling our contractual obligations to pay deposits to confirm the bands appearance.' Back Doune The Rabbit Hole (BDTRH) is set for an overhaul after the previous operators of the event – called Doune the Rabbit Hole – collapsed into liquidation amid a storm over unpaid musicians and contractors. This year's edition of the festival is set to go ahead from August 1-3. Liverpudlian indie rockers The Zutons are set to top the bill on the Sunday evening and Marc Almond will headline on Friday evening. There will also be performances from Scouting for Girls, the Bay City Rollers, The Skids and Newton Faulkner. BDTRH is led by new organisers in Helensburgh musician and businessman Brian Harkin working alongside experienced bookers Colin Black and Paul Aspey from Rock Asset Management. The previous Doune The Rabbit Hole had been a firm favourite in the Stirling cultural calendar until it ran into issues and eventually collapsed. It was run by promoter Jamie Murray – who ran up almost £1million in debt had just £2.38 in the bank to pay creditors. Dozens of furious performers, staff and firms were not paid when Mr Murray shut down the company behind the festival in 2022. His dad, the jailed Salmond blogger Craig Murray, took over the running of the festival for 2023 as another company, with a plan to repay debts from his son's firm through profits from the event. But it was called off a month before it was due to go ahead, leaving creditors in the dark. Speaking to the Stirling Observer in September last year, new organiser, Mr Harkin said: 'The initial discussions were about starting a new festival over there, but during the discussions, we did a bit of research on the collapse and how it was handled. 'I got a general consensus that it was a well-liked festival, low key and quite family-friendly in its vibe. 'I was introduced to the previous owner Jamie and he was very keen to revive the festival as he was disappointed that something he had built over the last decade would vanish. 'It was quite accidental in that we were looking to start a new festival and the site was pitched to us, but we know it was an event that was well loved by the community.' Mr Harkin added: 'We're going to address those who didn't get their money back. There isn't an obligation on us to do that but we want to re-engage with the community. 'We realise there is some frustration and anger left over from the last couple of years, but I understand most of the issues took place post-Covid and I don't think it was handled well. 'One of the main considerations in taking over the name was that it was in bad taste with agents, bookers and event services companies but the team mitigates that to an extent because they have a strong working relationship with those services.'
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Rediscover magic as Back Doune The Rabbit Hole returns with new owners
To mark its triumphant return to the festival circuit, the event has been dubbed Back Doune the Rabbit Hole, with the revival coming under a new and experienced management team appointed to oversee the organisation of the 2025 festival. The event is now being led by musician and festival organiser Brian Harkin, alongside Rock Artist Management's Colin Black and Paul Aspey. Managing bookings for over 70 bands, including Bay City Rollers, Bad Manners, and Big Country, Rock Artist Management is a company run by musicians, for musicians, and currently supplies acts for festivals and venues across the UK. Strengthening the expertise of the new management line up is a wider team of music industry leaders who have a combined experience of over 45 years in running festivals. The team has organised over 150 festivals in the last 10 years. The new team's goal is simple: take what people loved about Doune in the early days, and build something solid, imaginative and inclusive. "We're buzzing to bring Doune the Rabbit Hole back to life," said Brian Harkin. "The response and support so far have been incredible, and we're so grateful to everyone who's placed their trust in us to carry this festival forward. This event has always been about bringing people together through a love of music, and we've worked hard to put together a lineup that reflects that spirit. We can't wait to welcome festivalgoers back to Cardross Estate in August for a weekend that stays true to what has made the festival special, while bringing new energy to lead it into this new chapter." The festival, which ran successfully for 10 years before taking a two-year hiatus, has long been known for its diverse programming and laid-back atmosphere. The 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy while offering a revitalised and inclusive experience for festivalgoers of all ages. The connection between the festival and its community has always been a defining feature. Many attendees return year after year, not just for the music, but for the eclectic atmosphere that sets it apart. Families, long-time fans, first-timers, and artists alike have spoken about the unique sense of place that Doune offers. With the 2025 edition, organisers are hoping to rebuild that same sense of trust and belonging, while opening the gates to a new generation of attendees. Headlining the weekend are Marc Almond on Friday, The Fratellis on Saturday, and The Zutons on Sunday, delivering high-energy performances that will frame a weekend packed with diverse musical talent. The lineup reflects the festival's commitment to celebrating a wide range of genres, featuring chart-topping pop from Scouting for Girls, feel-good anthems from The Feeling, the soulful acoustics of Newton Faulkner, and the unique tribute act Elvana. Adding to the mix are acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan, folk-punk favourites Ferocious Dog, and the legendary Undertones, with more than 60 acts set to perform across five distinctive stages. Pictured: Sunday's headliner, The Zutons Each of the five stages brings something different to the table. The Garden is the main outdoor stage and the beating heart of the festival, perfect for those sunlit headline sets and crowd singalongs. The Big Top offers a covered space with big energy from morning to night. Mad Hatters, created in collaboration with Passenger, brings the best of Scotland's electronic and club scene into the wee hours. Burrowlands highlights alternative and emerging acts, giving new voices and experimental performances a platform. Jabbers, the newest addition, introduces comedy and spoken word, with sets hosted by Elaine Robertson and Lee Kyle and a lineup drawn from the spirit of the Edinburgh Fringe. For families, the festival continues to be one of the most welcoming around. Wacky Warren, run by the returning Kidding Around team, is the dedicated kids' area with programming from 10am to 10pm. Children can expect a mix of imaginative and active play, from giant sandpits and train sets to craft zones, a teen space, an on-site library, and more. It's designed not only for kids to get stuck in but for grown-ups to enjoy time and space to relax too. Food and drink have always played a big part in the festival experience, and Back Doune aims to get the balance just right. From locally sourced dishes and veggie-friendly options to late-night bites and proper coffee, there's something for every taste and budget. The bars will be stocked with a mix of craft favourites and familiar staples, all at fair prices. Meanwhile, the new wellness and healing area will offer a slower pace for those looking to reset between sets. Expect everything from yoga sessions to creative workshops, guided meditation, and more. Volunteer applications are open, offering a great opportunity for people to get involved behind the scenes. Volunteers contribute three shifts over the weekend and in return receive meals, access to crew camping, and all the perks of the full festival experience. This is a great chance for anyone interested in events or looking to experience the festival from a different angle while helping make it all happen. Many volunteers return year after year, and the team welcomes both new and familiar faces. The 2025 edition will include a range of changes designed to make the festival experience as smooth and welcoming as possible. From layout tweaks to on-site facilities, the team is working behind the scenes to create an environment that's inclusive for everyone. For those not bringing a car, travel partners Happy Bus are offering return coach services from key Scottish cities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Stirling, as well as a shuttle from Stirling city centre. The festival's new management team have made it clear that this isn't just a return, it's a rebuild. The cancellation of the 2023 edition understandably shook the trust of many, but the new organisers of Back Doune the Rabbit Hole are committed to transparency and good communication. FAQ pages on the website aim to keep everyone informed about planning and improvements, and the team has already begun reaching out to the community, inviting feedback and ideas for the future. "This is about more than putting on a good weekend," commented Brian. "It's about rebuilding something meaningful that people feel proud to be part of. That means getting the details right, being honest about the past, and listening to what people actually want from a festival like this. We're not here to replicate what came before, we're here to honour what made it special and make it stronger for the future." The full line-up is now live, along with the day splits. Weekend and day tickets are available now at Back Doune the Rabbit Hole will run from Friday to Sunday, August 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2025.
