INDEPENDENT music festival Doune the Rabbit Hole returns to Stirlingshire next month for the first time since the pandemic.

More than 200 international and Scottish acts as well as hundreds of workshops, talks and family-friendly activities will be on offer over the three-day event.

The event is now the third-biggest festival in the country. The site is now home to nine stages and more than 100 more acts since the last event in 2019.

And the kids won’t go bored either. With free access for children aged 12 and under and over 96 hours of free entertainment, the festival promises to be fun for all ages. Even the dog will be invited, as the festival boasts dog-friendly status.

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One area, dubbed the Family Field, will include an arena with everything from acrobats to clowns to stand-up comedy and even storytelling sessions. An arts and craft centre and water-themed Mermaid Cafe and a night-time cinema will mean the wee ones will stay entertained.

The fun isn’t just for the kids, of course. Adults can enjoy hundreds of workshops, educational talks, comedy events, yoga and of course, music sessions and pop-up performances. Musicians such as singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald, Belle & Sebastian, four-piece Boney M and American folk legend Peggy Seeger. Across the nine stages, there’s sure to be something for everyone, as Doune the Rabbit Hole embraces its diverse and eclectic music taste.

Independent vendors will be available all over the festival, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.

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Festival director Jamie Murray said: “It feels so good to be back! We’re returning bigger and better than ever this year and the programme is just fantastic, there really is something for everyone and it’s going to be such a joy to throw our gates open to visitors old and new in a matter of weeks.

“Our roots as a fiercely independent festival are stronger than ever and it’s exciting to be able to grow, adding new elements to the programme year on year and creating a truly unforgettable and unique experience for our visitors.

“Making a festival space that works for families has always been crucial to us and this year, as I experience my first Doune the Rabbit Hole as a parent myself, I can’t wait to share that experience with other families and like-minded people.

“Whether people are thinking of popping past for the day or spending the full weekend with us, they will certainly find something for them – we’ve got activities and entertainment running from first thing in the morning right through to the wee hours.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Cardross Estate for what I know will be a triumphant return for Doune the Rabbit Hole.”

The bohemian festival returns to Candross Estate in Stirlingshire from Thursday July 14 to Sunday July 17 and tickets can be found here.