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
Nationalisation, buses and homes for rough sleepers: This is what Andy Burnham's Britain would look like
Andy Burnham with Big Issue vendor Colin
Politics

Nationalisation, buses and homes for rough sleepers: This is what Andy Burnham's Britain would look like

In pictures: Meet the farmers in Pakistan who are rebuilding their homes after devastating floods
Ghulam Qasim
Khaula Jamil

In pictures: Meet the farmers in Pakistan who are rebuilding their homes after devastating floods

Big Issue founder urges action on empty homes: 'What are we going to do about boarded-up houses?'
Lord John Bird in the House of Lords
Housing

Big Issue founder urges action on empty homes: 'What are we going to do about boarded-up houses?'

Vagrancy Act: Labour promised to decriminalise rough sleeping in spring – so when will it happen?
a homeless person on the street
Criminal justice

Vagrancy Act: Labour promised to decriminalise rough sleeping in spring – so when will it happen?