Ian Rankin launches 'RebusFest' to mark 30 years of character

Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin is set to mark the 30th anniversary of his first John Rebus novel with a weekend festival of literature, music, art and film in Edinburgh.

RebusFest - curated by Rankin himself - will include interactive events, live music, walking tours, screenings, and food and drink, as well as talks on the historic and contemporary influences on Rebus. 

The weekend will take place 30th June - 2nd July 2017, when experts, artists and performers will join Rankin to provide a unique insight into the character of DI John Rebus. Rankin's publisher Orion said it hoped the festival will reflect "the many facets of the irascible old rogue”, who first made his debut in 1987 in Knots And Crosses (Orion), written while Rankin was a postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh. 

The most recent novel in the series to star Rebus is Rather Be the Devil, which published in November 2016 with Orion. Rankin will also be embarking on an international tour this year across Europe, North America, the Antipodes and South East Asia to promote.

“I had no idea when I published Knots and Crosses in 1987 that Rebus would still be sharing his adventures - and misadventures - with me 30 years later," Rankin said. "It's a thrill to be spending 2017 celebrating the man, his legacy, and his taste in music. Central to this is RebusFest - a weekend festival in Edinburgh of all things Rebus. I just hope he enjoys all the hoopla - I need him to still be speaking to me afterwards...”

The full festival line-up will be announced on 17th March 2017, when tickets will go on sale, with further details to be released from www.ianrankin.net.