Band left high and dry after festival gigs shelved

Apr 3 2009 by Stuart Wilson

A BAND who claim their gigs were axed say this year’s Burns Festival is struggling for cash.

Four piece rock act Day of Days insist they were lined up for two dates at the popular festival.

But they won’t be taking to the stage anymore after a late cancellation from organisers.

It comes just weeks after funding was pulled from the festival’s signature event, Rock at the Racecourse.

The band’s manager, Ian Mackin, claimed: “We had everything ready to go for gigs in Alloway and Wellington Square.

“Then I got an email at the end of last week to say the festival had pulled funding and the band would no longer be required.

“You have to ask how much of a success they want this event to be – it’s the year of Homecoming after all.

“I even have the boys coming down to Ayr for a couple of preview gigs to get their name known in the area because they’re actually from Crieff.”

But festival organisers insist it’s full steam ahead and their plans have not hit any snags.

They say all gigs under their control are still going ahead.

A spokesperson said: “The festival will feature an array of over one-hundred musical, performance, community and comedy events.

“Burns An' A' That were contacted by Caledonia Music Management, seeking gig opportunities for Day of Days.

“Two possible upcoming events were suggested, a community event unrelated to the festival, Alloway Burns Fayre, and The Food Fair at Wellington Square.

“Burns An' A' That would like to emphasise that these were suggested dates only. No firm and final bookings were made with Caledonia Music Management.”

Organisers are now trying to find alternative dates for Day of Days after the Alloway gig fell through, due to a problem with the production company.