Dundee City of Discovery News Archive

News Archive

PRESS RELEASE – 06/02/2006
DUNDEE INTERNATIONAL BOOK PRIZE ATTRACTS WORLDWIDE INTEREST

The Dundee International Book Prize has already attracted a high level of entries for the 2007 prize from around the world.The deadline date for e-mailed entries has recently passed (February 1 st ) and already more than 100 entries have been submitted, but thefinal deadline for hard copy entries of March 1st is fast approaching. Traditionally a high volume of entries is received in the few weeks before deadline.

The organisers are delighted that entries have been received from throughout Scotland and the UK, and also from USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, New Zealand, Guernsey, France and Nigeria.

Lord Provost John Letford, Chairman of the City of Discovery Campaign, said: "It is gratifying to see the appeal Of the Book Prize grow on an international level, while at the same time attracting the usual high number of entries from throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK.

Principal's Communications Director at the University of Dundee, Carol Pope, said: "By accepting entries electronically - and remember each one is a full novel in length - the Dundee International Book Prize is extending its accessibility to authors based all over the world. The Dundee International Book Prize offers an unparalleled opportunity to new writers worldwide to launch their literary careers."

The Book Prize - run by the Campaign and the University of Dundee - has established itself as the UK's premier prize for emerging novelists. Its £10,000 cash award together with publication by Birlinn Ltd, publishers of the Polygon imprint, make it highly valued by new writers seeking to break into the publishing world.

The award, now running for the fourth time, is for a novel by a previously unpublished author on any theme and in any genre. The judging is carried out by an independent panel, chaired this time by leading broadcaster and author James Naughtie.

Further information is available from the competition website, www.dundeebookprize.com

PRESS RELEASE – 08/02/2006
RADIO 1's SCOTTISH SUMMER 2006

Radio 1 DJs Colin Murray and Edith Bowman revealed on their show live from Dundee in February that the station plans to bring many events to Scotland this summer, starting with Radio 1's Big Weekend at Camperdown Park, Dundee from 13th -14th May 2006.

Set to be one of the biggest free music events this summer, Radio 1's Big Weekend in Dundee will give 30,000 people the chance to see the world's best bands and DJs. The line-up will be revealed in April, but with last year's event in Sunderland attracting artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Foo Fighters and Kaiser Chiefs, this year's looks set to be even more phenomenal.

In the week preceding Radio 1's Big Weekend, the station's daytime shows will broadcast from venues across Scotland as the DJs make their way to Dundee for the music festival. Across the actual weekend Radio 1's specialist DJs will also host a variety of aftershow parties at the city's top clubs such as London and Fat Sam's.

Radio 1's commitment to the Scottish music scene continues throughout the summer with a series of broadcasts from Glasgow's Coloursfest in June and T in The Park in July.

To celebrate Radio 1's plans, Colin and Edith hosted their February 8 th show live from 1–4pm on Captain Scott's Discovery while Zane Lowe will broadcast from 7-9pm at the University of Dundee with sets from bands The Kooks and Be Your Own Pet plus local Dundee band Your View.

Radio 1 DJ Edith Bowman said: "I actually can't put into words how excited and happy I am that Radio 1's Big Weekend will be in Dundee this year. It's great for Scotland and for the area - anything north of Edinburgh sometimes gets forgotten about when it comes to bands and touring. I'm counting down the days - just not looking forward to the amount of phone calls I'm going to get for tickets."

Executive Producer of Live Events Jason Carter said: "Radio 1 is really looking forward to all the events planned in Scotland this summer. We've always had a really good reception here and are certain that Radio 1's Big Weekend in Dundee will be a massive success."

To find out how to get tickets to Radio 1's Big Weekend, people need to listen to Radio 1 nearer the time or go to www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 to find out more.