Folk singer leaves event in protest of JD Vance’s appearance

Folk singer Dolly Mavies, born Molly Davies, revealed that she and her band canceled a gig in Daylesford after hearing that US Vice President JD Vance might attend. Though a small decision, the story quickly gained global attention.

Mavies explained that the band grew suspicious upon arriving at the venue due to an unusually heavy security presence. Convoys of police motorbikes and large vehicles surrounded the farm shop, which is not typical for their performances.

The decision to pull out was made without confirmation, and it was later clarified that Vance had never planned to attend the event. Despite this, the incident brought Mavies a surge of new social media followers and an outpouring of support.

She told an interviewer that the response in America was “overwhelming,” adding that many people seemed to feel heard amid widespread uncertainty and fear.

Addressing critics who accused her of staging a publicity stunt, Mavies insisted that it was not intended as such. “If we were that clever, we would have done something before now,” she said.

Mavies acknowledged that not everyone agreed with her choice, noting that some were upset. She described leaving the gig as “the most peaceful way of protest,” emphasizing that it was a simple yet meaningful action.

Meanwhile, Vance and his family were spending their summer in the Cotswolds, attending other events with no intention of visiting the gig. Nonetheless, Mavies’ decision continued to gain attention, particularly in the US, where many expressed understanding and support for her actions.