Cutting edg
rom a Poet Laureate to cult TV
show writers, this year’s Edinburgh
International Book Festival launched in style, with a programme boasting writers, poets. politicians. photographers and artists from 45 countries.
Highlights of the August line-up include the recently appointed Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and the US of A’s Garrison Keillor, who will be on site to discuss his Lake Wobegon series. Elsewhere. Margaret Atwood launches her new novel. David Simon and Richard Price, writers of the hit TV series The Wire, will be talking about the success of their hit show, with worldwide talent arriving courtesy of Bahaa Taher from Egypt, Ma Jian from China and Zoya Phan from Burma. Talent from closer to home doesn’t go unrecognised either with appearances and new work from Richard Dawkins, William Boyd, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, Joss Ackland. A L Kennedy, Irvine Welsh, John Burnside, Michael Mansfield and David Peace.
Mike Russell, minister for culture, said of the programme: ‘The line up for this year’s Book Festival is truly impressive with Edinburgh yet again playing host to a plethora of literary talent from home and
EdinWrgh Int a
‘ Book Fest
”Wm meantime.
rut-i: “t
e
Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edge Festival show that the talent just keeps on coming Words: Anna Millar
abroad. In this year of Homecoming. we aim to reconnect with millions of people with an affinity to Scotland.‘
Across town. the Edge Festival announced two additions to its bill: experimental rockers Faith No More and Scotland‘s own Biffy Clyro.
The recently-reunited Faith No More will play the Edinburgh Corn Exchange for what will be their first Scottish date for more than ten years, while local alt-rockers Biffy Clyro return following their sell- out gig at the SECC last December.
They join The Streets. The Stranglers, Calvin Harris. Malcolm Middleton, Frightened Rabbit, Enter Shikari and more.
Carol Ann Duffywfiw'
THE BONGO
CLUB in Edinburgh
is launching a game show-cum-
quiz night, suitably
titled Funtime, which ‘marries all the ritz of the game show with the unpretentious abandon of the pub quiz’. Compared by the enigmatic Wilson and his glamourous assistant Betty, the night kicks off on Sunday 5 July at 8pm; £5 per team.
A NEW FESTIVAL initiative, The Signposting Project. IS heading to Edinburgh. Curated by world traveller Doug Lansky. 100 of the world's funniest signs are to be recreated in Edinburgh's city centre from 1-31 August. The rooftop and interior of Princes Mall in Edinburgh Will play host to this exhibition for the month.
THE WICKERMAN Festival will now play host to DJ Danny Rampling on Saturday 25th July as part of this year’s programme. Rampling will offer insiders tips, alongside a similar workshop led by Sonny Wharton. °
ODEON ENQUIRY
I The List is pleased to announce that, following months of speculation, there will now be a public enquiry into the future the Odeon on Clerk Street, Edinburgh. Michael Russell, Culture Minister, said of the building’s future: ‘The last thing I would want to see is for this process to go on indefinitely, but this is a complex case and it is important that all aspects of the application are fully and independently considered to determine the best way forward. It is for that reason I have called in this application for decision by Scottish Ministers.’
CUBAN SENSATION
The Creole Choir of Cuba is to join the
Big Tent line-up over > the festival weekend _ (25-26 Iul). They
join Mr McFalls Chamber, Michael Marra and Shooglenifty, as well . as Attic lights,The Treacherous Orchestra and India Alba.
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25 Jun—9 Jul 2009 THE LIST 7