Back Doune The Rabbit Hole

spudthemariner · August 4, 2025

Just got back from this cracking wee festival in the Scottish Central Belt (Just down the road from Stirling and up from Glasgow).

We were previous visitors to the original Doune The Rabbit Hole festival which collapsed due to mismanagement (see the press for all the gory details), and were really pleased to see its return, as Scotland has a serious lack of small festivals (mostly due to the economic climate sadly).

Its fair to say that the current organisers had a challenge getting this one off the ground, but very happy to say that they did, and a few wee niggles aside, it was a belter!

This year was a capacity of about 4000, which created a lovely vibe (helped by mostly cracking weather).

The arena was compact with most stages only a couple of minutes from each other (although this did lead to a bit of sound bleed on occasions, one to look at for next year).

Decent beer, at a decent (festival) price, with a good range of stalls, food etc (could do with somewhere to get breakfast though).

Very well provisioned toilets, although they need to get on top of emptying them earlier in the weekend (once they caught up all was good though).

Line-up was all over the place, but that did mean that there was literally something for everyone, and this was reflected in the crowd, which was a mix of old school festi folk, families and some of the young team. Didn't see a bit of trouble from anyone happily.

I was really impressed with 'The Burrowlands' stage, which mostly had young up and coming bands. Some really great and talented folk there.

The main gripe was the lack of signage, (water points, elsan points, the 'way out' etc etc). A little thing, but one that the organisers could do with addressing for next year.

Next years dates are out, (July 17th - 19th) which happily avoids the clash with both Belladrum and Kendal Calling that they had this year.

We're almost certainly returning next year, and if they keep things in a similar vibe, it'll hopefully continue to be a great success.