Last Updated: 11th August 2026

Effective Date: Immediately for new users; 10 September 2026 for existing users

Hootenanny is committed to transparency regarding the use of cookies and similar technologies on our website and services. This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and how you can manage your preferences.

1. What are cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device, such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone, when you visit a website.

They help websites function effectively and improve user experience by:

• Remembering preferences

• Maintaining login sessions

• Measuring performance

• Analysing engagement

Cookies may be first-party cookies, set by Hootenanny, or third-party cookies, set by external service providers.

2. Legal basis for using cookies

Under the UK Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR:

• Strictly necessary cookies are set without consent

• Analytics and marketing cookies are set only with your explicit consent via our cookie banner

You may withdraw consent at any time.

3. Types of cookies we use

3.1 Strictly necessary cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation and security of the Service. They include user authentication and login, session management, security protections, load balancing and fraud prevention.

Legal basis: legitimate interest or contractual necessity. Retention: session-based, expire when browser closes. These cookies cannot be disabled as the Service would not function properly without them.

3.2 Analytics cookies

These cookies help us understand how users interact with the Service so we can improve functionality and performance. Examples may include Google Analytics and email engagement tracking, including open rates, click rates, CTOR and CTR.

Data collected may include pages visited, time spent on pages, device or browser type, and general geographic location, for example city-level. We use aggregated insights and do not identify individual users.

Legal basis: consent. Retention: up to 12 months. Analytics cookies are only set after you provide consent via the cookie banner. You may also opt out of Google Analytics using the official browser add-on provided by Google.

3.3 Marketing and targeting cookies

We may use marketing cookies to deliver personalised promotions, measure marketing campaign effectiveness, and perform behavioural analysis. These cookies may be introduced as our Service evolves.

Legal basis: explicit consent. Retention: up to 12 months unless otherwise stated. Marketing cookies will only be deployed after you actively consent through the cookie banner.

4. Email tracking technologies

Where you have consented to receive marketing emails, we may use tracking pixels to measure email opens, link clicks, and engagement metrics, for example CTR and CTOR. This helps us improve communication relevance and performance.

You can withdraw consent to marketing communications at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in any marketing email or updating your account preferences.

5. Managing your cookie preferences

5.1 Cookie banner

Use the cookie banner displayed on our website to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customise your preferences.

5.2 Browser settings

Most browsers allow you to block cookies, delete stored cookies, and set cookie preferences. Please note that disabling strictly necessary cookies may affect Service functionality.

5.3 Withdrawing consent

You may withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time via the cookie banner or your account settings, where available. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.

6. Third-party cookies and integrations

We currently use third-party providers for analytics and email delivery services. Examples may include Google for analytics services.

We also receive artist streaming and social media performance data from Songstats through a server-side integration. This does not place any cookies or tracking technologies on your device.

If additional third-party cookies are introduced, for example social media integrations or advertising platforms, we will require explicit consent before activation, update this Cookie Policy, and provide transparency about the provider and purpose.

Where personal data is transferred outside the UK or EEA, appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or the UK International Data Transfer Agreement will apply.

7. Data retention and security

Session cookies expire when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain for up to 12 months unless deleted earlier.

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect cookie-related data from unauthorised access or misuse.

8. Updates to this cookie policy

We may update this Policy periodically to reflect changes in cookies used, legal or regulatory updates, or Service functionality changes. Changes take effect 30 days after posting the updated version. We encourage you to review this page regularly.

9. Contact us

For questions regarding this Cookie Policy: hello@hootenanny.io. Mail: Hootenanny (Fanclub Ltd), Copscap Barn, Eastgate, Hornton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.