skip to main content

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

Scottish musician, activist and MU Member Iona Fyfe advises performers to speak to the MU before engaging with the festival.

Published: 08 June 2023 | 5:42 PM Updated: 13 June 2023 | 4:45 PM
Welly boots covered in mud lie in the sunshine on very fresh green grass
Musicians should ensure that there is a signed agreement in place and full deposit obtained, prior to performing

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.

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.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

Read more about UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act
A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza
A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.

Published: 15 April 2025

Read more about Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music