Dundee Literary Festival 2017 launch

Published On Wed 13 Sep 2017 by Cara Longmuir

Superstar children’s author Jacqueline Wilson will make her way back to Dundee for a spot of afternoon tea this November.

As part of this year’s Dundee Literary Festival, the Tracy Beaker author and Honorary Graduate of the University of Dundee will host a party for her fans at the headquarters of DC Thomson, where she cut her teeth as journalist in the 1960s. The event, her only Scottish date in 2017, takes place on Saturday 11 November.

The Festival will also give fans the chance to remember Michael Marra, the late, great Bard of Dundee, with the launch of a book about his life and work by acclaimed writer and his close friend, James Robertson.

It will also mark 100 years since the publication of D’Arcy Thompson’s seminal On Growth and Form. The University’s Matthew Jarron will discuss the book, which was written during Thompson’s time at Dundee, and its extraordinary impact that is still felt today.

Peggy Hughes, Programme Manager of the Dundee Literary Festival, said, “The programme is jam packed with literary stars, terrific debut voices, and events for families and children, so there is something for everyone. This year you can join a pop up choir, make a little book, or try your hand at writing for young adults. You can test your wits in our bookish quiz, or sit back and enjoy the beautiful music of The Bookshop Band.

“On Growth and Form looks inside things and examines their structures and cells. It gives up nature’s secrets. This year we decided to take a steer from D’Arcy Thompson. We’re looking inside literary works, at their structures and their forms and secrets too.

“We hope you’ll join us this autumn to make, do, dance and listen. Bring the kids. Come and help us make this our best festival yet.”

The programme will launch on Wednesday 13 September, 6.30pm at Waterstones. Tickets can be purchased from Thursday 14 September at www.literarydundee.co.uk.

Dundee Literary Festival is produced by Literary Dundee, a University of Dundee-led initiative that connects books, readers, writers and the brightest ideas.

For media enquiries contact:
Cara Longmuir
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385243
Email: c.z.longmuir@dundee.ac.uk