Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
News

Vendor Brian Wilson is Getting Around the festivals this summer

The Scottish seller was such a big hit selling The Big Issue at Doune the Rabbit Hole that he has been invited to Mugstock Festival

Brian Wilson Doune the Rabbit Hole

Scottish vendor Brian Wilson made such a splash selling The Big Issue at Doune the Rabbit Hole Festival earlier this month that he has secured himself a spot at another event.

Smiley Brian, 39, sold more than 100 magazines as he camped at the Stirlingshire bash from July 13-15 – the first festival he had ever been to.

And number two is set to follow right away after he secured an invite to Mugstock Festival.

Taking place in Mudgdock Country Park this weekend, the fest features more than 160 acts, including Asian Dub Foundation Sound System, Kid Canaveral and Idlewild singer Roddy Woomble playing solo, across seven stages.

Brian, who is currently saving up his proceeds from selling the magazine to set up his own boiler repair company called Good Vibrations, said: “I got a brilliant response at Doune the Rabbit Hole and it was great to be asked to go to Mugstock.

“I sold 100 magazines at the last festival but this is a lot bigger so it will be a bigger challenge. I could get used to this!”

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

The vendor, who sold the magazine outside M&S in Perth up until recently, will be bringing his signature sense of humour to Mugstock – alongside the famous name he shares with a Beach Boys legend.

Speaking about his experience at Doune the Rabbit Hole, Brian said: “I was certainly in the right place for people to pick up on my name! I had people telling me that they bet that I wish I had his money!”

Big Issue Scotland team leader Rhys Morgan said: “Brian did himself such a credit at Doune the Rabbit Hole that the guys over at Mugstock have been great in inviting him over to their festival for another weekend of Big Issue selling, music and Scottish summer sunshine!”

Image: Zul Bhatia/Doune the Rabbit Hole

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

Do you know how Big Issue 'really' works?

Watch this simple explanation.

Recommended for you

View all
Formula E and giffgaff partner to create new opportunities for Big Issue Recruit candidates
Partnership

Formula E and giffgaff partner to create new opportunities for Big Issue Recruit candidates

Farewell to much-loved Wimbledon 'local landmark' and Big Issue vendor Jane Burns
Wimbledon Big Issue vendor Jane Burns
In memoriam

Farewell to much-loved Wimbledon 'local landmark' and Big Issue vendor Jane Burns

More children will get free school meals from September 2026. Here's what you need to know
child eating meal at school
Free school meals

More children will get free school meals from September 2026. Here's what you need to know

'Who are you going to trust on social media? You can trust what you hear at Jodrell Bank'
Jodrell Bank's Lovell Telescope.
Science

'Who are you going to trust on social media? You can trust what you hear at Jodrell Bank'