Our cookie policy

Last Updated: 18th February 2026
Effective Date: 18th February 2026

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.

By continuing to use our Service, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this Policy. If you do not agree, you can disable non-essential cookies via the cookie banner or your browser settings.

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
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
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
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
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
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
Updating your account preferences

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences in the following ways:

5.1 Cookie Banner

Use the cookie banner displayed on our website to:

Accept all cookies
Reject non-essential cookies
Customise your preferences

5.2 Browser Settings

Most browsers allow you to:

Block cookies
Delete stored cookies
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
Your account settings, where available

Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processing prior to withdrawal.

6. Third-Party Cookies

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

Google for analytics services

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
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

7.1 Retention