Folk singer walks out of venue before gig after learning JD Vance was in attendance

Indie folk singer-songwriter Dolly Mavies has said she walked out of a venue before a show after learning U.S. Vice President JD Vance was in attendance.

Shortly before their gig in Charlbury, England, the Oxfordshire artist said she and her band were told they were booked to entertain Vance. Upon hearing the news, the musicians "packed up our stuff and left."

"Not being fans of his, we decided that wasn't for us," Mavies said.

"Because morals are more important than money...Use your voice, speak up and don't do anything you don't want to do."

In the caption of the post, Mavies said the band didn't previously know why they had been booked or what the event was for, as it wasn't a typical ticketed event for fans. However, she added, "The organisers were very understanding of our choice."

 

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A post shared by Dolly Mavies (@dollymavies)

Mavies later posted a statement on her website, which read, "I champion human rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and support the voices of those often silenced. For me, performing is about connection, authenticity, and integrity and standing up for what you believe in."

Vance is currently on holiday in the Cotswolds where he is staying in the small hamlet of Dean. His presence has caused various road closures and security checkpoints, with increased police presence and sniffer dogs.

Former Top Gear broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson shared on Instagram that his farm in nearby Chipping Norton is under a no-fly zone due to Vance's visit.

One resident told the BBC that locals learned about Vance's visit from police who went door-to-door gathering their personal details.

"David Cameron lived in this village obviously, so we are used to a certain amount of police presence," said Dean resident Jonathan Mazower.

"But this is totally off the scale... this is just a kind of massive security lockdown."

Mazower claimed that anyone wishing to enter Dean was required to notify police at security checkpoints and provide various personal details, including vehicle registration numbers.

Over the course of Vance's visit, residents of the area have repeatedly gathered to protest the American politician. Signs denouncing Vance and the Trump administration have been posted in nearby villages.