News Archive
PRESS RELEASE – 25/06/2007
Dundee Young People get Chance to Feel the Blues
An exciting new venture takes place later this month when the renowned Dundee Blues Bonanza puts on its first show exclusively for the under 18s.
And performing live at The Shore will be teenage blues guitar virtuoso Krissy Matthews and his band.
The Junior Blues Bonanza is a joint venture between the Blues Bonanza and The Shore, which is a dynamic youth venue in the heart of the City of Discovery with a focus on music, arts and the media.
Bob Telford, Chairman of the Blues Bonanza’s organising committee, said: “It is a terrific opportunity for young people to experience the blues, and to hear one of the country’s top young guitarists. Krissy and his band have won plaudits wherever they have played.
“It’s also a great chance for the Blues Bonanza to widen its scope still further, and to get to a group of people who wouldn’t normally get along to our events.”
The gig takes place at The Shore on the opening night of the Blues Bonanza, June 29th, at 7.30pm. The event is open to under 18s only. Krissy will also play at Dexters in Castle Street between 6.00pm and 8.00pm the following day.
The Dundee Blues Bonanza – in its 13th year – is gearing up for its biggest and best year ever as Headline artists Lil’ Jimmy Reed and Bob Hall are welcomed back to the City of Discovery while Tracy Conover makes her debut at the festival.
The City of Discovery Campaign has supported the now-famous extravaganza of live blues, boogie, rock and roots music for over the years and has helped establish the festival as one of the main features in the city’s summer calendar.
Said to be Britain’s biggest free blues/roots festival will kick start on Friday 29th June with an International Promotional evening sponsored by RSB Mc Donald at The Marquee, Constable Street and will run throughout the Saturday and Sunday (June 30th and July 1st) culminating in the infamous Bonanza night in Dexters again generously sponsored by RSB Mc Donald.
Part of the Dundee Summer Festival and with over 130 live performances across over 32 venues bursting at the seams, and more than 12,000 again expected in audiences this year, organisers are sure Britain’s biggest free venue trail music festival will not disappoint.
City of Discovery Campaign Chair Lord Provost John Letford said, "The City of Discovery Campaign is delighted to continue to offer support to the blues bonanza, an event that grows each year in credibility and spirit, building on Dundee 's reputation for welcoming cultures and visitors from around the world to enjoy a diverse range of music. We look forward to a spectacular festival and seeing thousands of people enjoy all that the bonanza has to offer."
Blues Bonanza Chair Bob Telford certainly does not consider 13 as unlucky. He said, “Every year we work hard to securing world-class acts and in our 13th year 2007 is no exception.
“It is testament to the festival that we are able to attract an artist such as Lil’ Jimmy Reed for a second year running and acclaimed musician Bob Hall who continues to support the Dundee Blues Bonanza. We are also extremely excited to have the talents of Tracy Conover onboard who has opened shows for the likes of Dick Dale and BB King.
“Every year we look to deliver a balanced programme of new and old acts and this year is no different with each artist or band performing their own distinctive styles of music. With acts from around the globe such as the United States, Sweden, Holland, Ireland and all over the UK we are looking forward to, as always, welcoming all those who consider the Dundee Blues Bonanza to be a major date in the Blues festival calendar and who want to make the 2007 Bonanza the one to remember.”
Participating venues includes The Abode, Alley Cats, The Bond, Braes, The Bush, Deacon Brodies, Dexters, The Doghouse, The Gauger, Huxters, Jute@DCA, Lennon’s, Lloyds, Lyrics, MacDaniels, The Marquee, Mc’s, Mundo’s, The Nether Inn, Number Twenty Five, Old Horseshoe, The Pillars, The Rendezvous, Satchmo’s, The Shore, Sinatra’s, The Social, Starz, Tally’s, Thomson’s, Tonic, The Waterfront.
A full programme will be available shortly. For more information visit www.dundeebluesbonanza.co.uk or www.dundeefestival.com
PRESS RELEASE – 18/06/2007
Another exciting chapter for Dundee International Book Prize
The 2009 Dundee International Book Prize was launched recently – with a new high calibre judging panel set to rule on entries from around the world.
Award-winning author Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Dundee, will chair the panel which will also include journalist, author and broadcaster Magnus Linklater, a former chairman of the Scottish Arts Council.
The stature of the judges reflects the increasing recognition of the Dundee International Book Prize. It is now established as the UK’s premier prize for emerging novelists, with a £10,000 cash award together with publication by Birlinn Ltd, publishers of the Polygon imprint. The prize is a joint venture between the City of Discovery Campaign, the University of Dundee, and Birlinn.
Kirsty Gunn said: "I am delighted to be associated with a prize that also reflects so nicely the aims and ambitions of our own new creative writing programme at the University of Dundee – that is, to encourage work that is fresh and new, across a whole spectrum of genres and styles, bringing together writers no matter who they are or where they're from or what their range or kind of experience. The Dundee International Book Prize is generously structured to celebrate both the regional and the international, so we get to play host to new writing talent from around the world. And that mix – of the here and the there – is a truly creative one."
Magnus Linklater added: "Any new writer knows the long and agonising process of gaining recognition. The Dundee International Book Prize is a unique and imaginative response to that process. It offers talented young writers the priceless opportunity of being discovered.
"Over the last ten years the Prize has quietly established itself, within Scotland and abroad, as a unique means of identifying new writers and ensuring that they, in turn, find their audience. The partnership of University, City and publisher is an inspiring model for the promotion of Scottish culture."
The 2007 Book Prize saw entries from 20 countries around the world, including Australia, Guatemala, New Zealand, Canada and USA. There continued to be a strong Scottish and UK interest also.
Lord Provost John Letford, Chairman of the City of Discovery Campaign, said: “The Book Prize has now established itself not only as a leading UK literary award, but on an international scale. Last year’s winner was an Englishwoman, living in France, who was alerted to the Prize by a French friend. We have also seen the percentage of overseas entries increase, and also the quality of entries. I am sure the next Prize will prove every bit as successful.”
Dundee is a city which embraces writers – A.L.Kennedy, born and bred in the city, Douglas Dunn, Kate Atkinson, John Burnside, Bill Duncan and Rosamunde Pilcher are amongst the “glitterati” who have drawn on the City of Discovery for their inspiration over the last two decades.
Dundee plays host to the first Dundee Literary Festival from 21–22 June 2007 with major names including Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Peter Hobbs, Ben Markovits, Bill Duncan and Christopher Priest appearing. The first entry packs for the Dundee International Book Prize will be made available to all those who attend this event.
The first four Dundee Book Prize winning novels have all gone on to have success. The authors have also gone on to produce further works of fiction and non-fiction. Andrew Murray Scott’s book Tumulus detailed bohemian Dundee through the 60s and 70s to the present day. The winning novel in 2002, Claire-Marie Watson’s The Curewife drew on the tale of Dundee's last execution of a witch – Grissel Jaffray in 1669 and the winner in 2005 was Malcolm Archibald’s adventure on a whaling ship Whales for a Wizard. 2007 saw French resident Fiona Dunscombe scoop the accolade with her gritty, dark and full of life novel The Triple Point of Water.
The full details are available online at www.dundeebookprize.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE – 07/06/2007
City of Discovery Picture Book Award: Winner Announced
Dundee youngsters today crowned Author and illustrator Minni Grey as winner of the City of Discovery Picture Book Award and the £1000 cash prize for their book “Traction Man Is Here”.
At the ceremony today (7th June) all the children who had participated in the process of judging and voting for the winning picture book had the opportunity to quiz the authors and illustrators.
Lord Provost John Letford and the children who judged and voted in the competition
The innovative literary award, which carries a significant cash prize, aims to recognise excellence in story telling and illustration for children as well as encouraging youngsters to read. The City of Discovery Picture Book Award has joined the Dundee International Book Prize as one of the major literary prizes on offer.
Although the award is in its infancy – this is its second year – the structure and educational impact is being recognised throughout the UK.
The City of Discovery Picture Book Award has been recognised on a national level for the benefits and learning opportunities the process of judging offers to children involved.
The Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children’s Books acknowledges the Dundee award and the permission granted by the organisers to reproduce the information in their own competition guidelines.
A short-listing process which involved two pilot schools, reduced the entries to just four.
The three runners up are:
- “Dan and Diesel” by Charlotte Hudson & Lindsey Gardiner – Red Fox
- “Dig the Dog” by Alison Maloney & Maddy McClellan – Meadowside Books
- “I’m Special I’m Me” by Ann Meek & Sarah Massini – Little Tiger Press
Funding from the City of Discovery Campaign, has made it possible for the awards to offer a winning prize of £1000 and £200 to each of the three runners-up. Each short-listed author and illustrator also received a limited edition Denis the Menace figure, donated by DC Thomson Ltd.
This year the schools are Ancrum, Downfield, Mill Of Mains, St. Clement’s, St. Ninian’s, Clepington, Brackens, St. Fergus, Whitfield, Forthill, St. Luke’s & St. Matthew’s, St. Peter’s & St. Paul’s, Lochee and St. Vincent’s. Around 800 children will take part in total.
Lord Provost John Letford, Chairman of the City of Discovery Campaign said: "This Award is one that breaks new ground in that the youngsters run the judging process for themselves, so any Award must be cherished as being from the hearts and minds of the youngsters themselves. It is also a further recognition of Dundee's commitment to excellence and to the arts, and to encouraging our young people to be interested in reading and writing."
Councillor Laurie Bidwell, Dundee City Council convener of education, added: "This is a highly innovative literacy project. The older primary school pupils effectively help mentor the younger pupils throughout the process of selection and judging. It encourages literacy, imagination, and an interest in the democratic process as well as leadership and responsibility."
PRESS RELEASE – 06/06/2007
Taking Control – Dundee's Winning Robot Kids
Youngsters at Glebelands Primary School have won the 2007 City of Discovery Robolab Challenge – beating off stiff competition from throughout Dundee.
The pupils went head to head with teams from 12 other schools including Ancrum Road Primary School, St. Margaret’s Primary School, St. Columbus Primary School, McAlpine Primary School, Rosebank Primary School, Our Lady’s Primary School, Park Place Primary School, Gowriehill Primary School, St. Ninans Primary School, Craigiebarns Primary School, Forthill Primary School and Barnhill Primary School.
Lord Provost John Letford
and the winning Robot Kids
And the team only made it to the Grand Final after fighting their way through zonal finals also. The schools entered teams of four youngsters who were asked to build and programme a robot to carry out specific tasks, using the Lego Mindstorms equipment and Robolab software.
The winners received the City of Discovery Robolab Challenge Trophy, a Robolab kit and a £125 voucher from the Commotion Group for their school, and each team member will receive a prize package.
Lord Provost John Letford, Chairman of the City of Discovery Campaign, said: "The Robolab Challenge helps inspire our young people and at the same time helps them to understand the importance of science and technology, and how they underpin our economy and daily business and social lives."
Councillor Laurie Bidwell, Dundee City Council convener of education added: "This project helps children understand 'control technology' which is a part of our everyday lives, through things like traffic lights, ATMs, and hospital equipment, and stimulates interest and discussion.
It is excellent for promoting logical thinking, trial and error testing, and encouraging social skills such as discussion, compromise and team working and it fits in perfectly with the 5–14 curriculum."
PRESS RELEASE – 01/06/2007
If Music be the Food of Love, Then Play On
The Dundee Summer Festival’s programme of events and theme ‘If Music be the Food of Love, Then Play On’ was launched recently.
The city will see four long weekends ablaze with new music, food events and promotions. The Festival runs from 28th June – 1st July, 5th–8th July, 12th–15th July and 19th–22nd July.
The theme of this year's festival ‘If Music be the Food of Love, Then Play On’ was illustrated by bringing together members of two of the cities most successful music events – the Dundee Blues Bonanza and the Dundee International Guitar Festival along with members of the young band The Floor who will play in city centre – in a musical blaze in the four star Hilton Dundee’s restaurant. The Hilton’s Head Chef was on hand to offer his pots and pans as percussion instruments for the gig, watched by Lord Provost and Chair of The City of Discovery Campaign, John Letford and City Centre Manager Lorna McKenzie.
The musicians offered a taste of things to come during the festival, now in its second year in the City of Discovery, which starts at the end of June. New for this year’s Festival is the introduction of The Festival Club which will see eateries in Dundee offer live entertainment to accompany your meal.
In association with The City of Discovery Campaign, The City Centre Action Group and The Evening Telegraph residents and visitors to the city are invited to Re-discover Dundee and enjoy the events and experiences.
Musical events include: The Meatloaf Trilogy 29th June, The Dundee Blues Bonanza 29th June – 1st July, Dundee Record, CD and Music Memorabilia Fair 1st July, Dundee International Guitar Festival 6th July, Gala in the Garden 7th July, Celtic Feet 19th July and the Sunday Band Series running over all four weekends at various venues throughout the city.
Food events include: Continental Market 5th–8th July, German Market 10th–31st July, The Farmers 21st July and The Festival Club involving a variety of eating places throughout the city.
There is something for everyone in various venues in and around the city centre. The 2007 Festival sees host a mixture of free and ticketed events in both indoor and outdoor venues around the city.
City of Discovery Campaign Chair Lord Provost John Letford is very pleased the Campaign is able to be part of the joint committee organising the Dundee Summer Festival and hopes that both residents and visitor to the city will enjoy the programme of musical concerts and 'food for thought' activities. He said, "There is so much to see and do in Dundee and by pulling together new and existing events into one definitive programme gives everyone a much better idea of what they can get involved in this summer."
"The Dundee Summer Festival will be great for the City of Discovery bringing people out of their homes and onto the streets to experience the city they live in."
City Centre Manager Lorna McKenzie said, "The farmers, continental and German markets all bring a great buzz to Dundee city centre with there different flavours and elements that really draw in the crowds. The Dundee Summer Festival is a great way of encompassing the joy of food and music together – two pastimes that stir big emotions in people and I hope that residents and visitors alike will enjoy the programme."
For more information on events happening as part of the Dundee Festival see: www.dundeefestival.co.uk
PRESS RELEASE – 01/06/2007
Dundee Asked to Get Monumentally Creative
The first public duty of Dundee’s Lord Provost was to join forces with the Principal and Vice Chancellor of the renowned Al-Maktoum Institute to urge the people of Dundee to get creative to tackle a monumental challenge.
Dubai, Sister City to Dundee, has invited the City of Discovery to submit plans for a monument to represent the modern Dundee. The Dubai Municipality will then create the monument in Za’abeel Park, one of the cosmopolitan city’s main parks, alongside monuments to cities such as Geneva, Istanbul, Shanghai and Osaka.
To that end, The City of Discovery Campaign in conjunction with the City Council, the Al-Maktoum Institute, Six Cities Design Festival, Hilton Hotels and Emirates Airlines are inviting local people to take part in a unique competition.
Photo courtesy of Thomson & Co
The organisers felt: “Who better to ask what this sculpture or monument should be than the people of the city it represents. We want the people of Dundee to get involved and send us their concepts for the monument.”
“It doesn’t matter if they are a school child or a professional designer, if they can draw or if they can’t, what will matter to us are the ideas and concept people come up with. If they can’t show it in a drawing, they can write it down, and they should remember that they won’t be judged on their drawing skills. People are invited to send their ideas in any media they feel describes their concept. We want as many people as possible to join in this debate. The spokesman added the monument could be a sculpture, a model, a poem, a small building like a shelter or any number of other things. The criteria are pretty flexible, and we can have space up to ten metres in any direction.”
The entrant with the best idea will win £500 and when the monument is built in Dubai they will receive return flights (courtesy of Emirates) for two with three nights accommodation at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah (sponsored by Hilton Dundee). There will runners up prizes of book tokens on offer.
Some key questions to consider:
- What’s good about Dundee?
- What’s important about Dundee?
- What makes the city a great place to live in?
- What makes you proud of the city?
Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the Al-Maktoum Institute, said: "This is a chance for the people of Dundee to demonstrate what their city means to them in an imaginative and visual way. I would think it would be terrifically exciting for anyone to see their concept become reality and then have the opportunity to go and see it in situ."
The Lord Provost added: “Dubai is renowned as a modern, international city and it is a wonderful opportunity for Dundee to showcase our creativity and innovation to an international audience. This competition ensures that the monument erected to Dundee will come from the city's heart – its people.”
Those interested can submit their entries by the deadline of 29 June 2007 to The Design Competition, Economic Development Department, Dundee City Council, 3 City Square, Dundee, DD1 3BA.
Further information can be obtained online at www.dundeecity.gov.uk/designcompetition