10 June 2010

Nick Cave appearance attracts international interest

An international audience will greet acclaimed singer-songwriter, writer, poet, actor and sometime philosopher Nick Cave when he appears at the Dundee Literary Festival later this month.

The well documented devotion shown by of followers of the multi-talented 52-year-old Australian will once more be in evidence when Cave reads from his latest book, The Death of Bunny Munro, and is interviewed by Jamie Byng of publisher Canongate Books on Friday, June 25th.

As well as receiving several awards for his music, Cave has penned novels and volumes of poetry, appeared in several films, and formed an unlikely duet with Kylie Minogue.

Cave, who will also be receiving an Honorary Degree from the University of Dundee, will be appearing at the University’s Dalhousie Building. The crowd that evening will include a number of fans who have travelled huge distances for the chance to hear from their hero.

Organisers say they know that several individuals are travelling from London and the south of England for the event, and that Cave aficionados from as far away as France and Belgium will descend upon Dundee for the Festival.

Valerie Higgs is one of those who will be travelling from France for the event. 'I have about 10 hours of train ahead of me, which is totally fine to see Nick Cave,' she said.

Anna Day, Director of the Festival, said the phenomenal response shown by Valerie and her fellow fans showed what an exceptional coup Nick Cave was for the Festival.

'When we asked Nick Cave to come to Dundee, we knew he would be a phenomenal draw, and the international response has exceeded our expectations,' she said.

'Nick engenders a real dedication amongst his fan base, which is shown by the fact that people are prepared to travel hundreds of miles and cross national borders just to see him. The Festival is growing each year, and its increasing reputation allows us to bring in big names from the world of literature such as Nick Cave.

'We hope those who come to Dundee to see him will also take the opportunity to attend the other literary and music events taking place across the city as part of the Literary Festival and Graduation celebrations.

'We aim to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy at the Literary Festival, regardless of their age or taste. We are passionate about spreading the word and encouraging a growing number of people to engage with the wonderful and diverse world of literature.'

Now in its fourth year, this year’s Festival is bigger than ever, and sees some of the most talked about names from the world of literature, journalism, philosophy and politics take part in a series of workshops, talks, book signings, and readings.

The Festival takes place from June 23rd - 27th, and will feature appearances from world renowned authors such as Iain Banks, Rosamunde Pilcher and John Carey. John Aberdein, who was recently named the winner of the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book of the Year (fiction), for his novel, Strip the Willow, will also appear.

Jackie Kay will be reading from her astonishing memoir and Alan Warner will be talking about his new novel, The Stars In The Bright Sky. Christopher Reid won the 2009 Costa Prize for his poetry volume, The Scattering, which he will be discussing and reading from, while Lesley Glaister will thrill with her latest book, Chosen.

A writing school for anyone who has thought about becoming a writer will be held and local writers Neil Forsyth and Sue Peebles will be reading from their debut novels. Kenny Reid will be reading from his new book which deals with his golfing obsession while Stuart Kelly from Scotland on Sunday will be reading from his new book on Walter Scott.

A special event, held jointly with Dundee Contemporary Arts, will see author Allan Brown discuss his book examining the film, The Wicker Man and show previously unseen clips from the original film.

A series of events focussing on children’s books will also be held, with illustrator and writer Alison Murray visiting schools in the area to read from her book, Apple Pie ABC.

The fourth annual Dundee Comics Conference will take place on the final day of the Festival, with this year’s line up including star names from the world of animation including Dez Skinn, Rian Hughes and Pat Mills.

Cave will don the robes to receive a Doctor of Laws (LLD) alongside figures from the worlds of literature, science, business, politics and academia during the University’s annual Graduation ceremony on Friday, June 25th.

He first came to prominence in the 1970s when he fronted The Birthday Party and has gone on to enjoy a successful and multi-faceted career. The Death of Bunny Munro tells the story of a travelling salesman whose constant womanising and alcohol abuse comes to a head after the suicide of his wife.

The Nick Cave event is fast approaching a sell-out, although a limited number of tickets are still available from the Overgate Centre and DCA. More details about all the events taking place at the Festival can be found at www.literarydundee.co.uk/festival.htm.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277