Hosted by Ian Rankin and Good Thinking Events, REBUSFEST was a weekend of literature, art, film, music and more to celebrate 30 years of the iconic detective.
Could you tell us more about RebusFest?
Edinburgh was abuzz as over 2,000 Rebus fans descended on the city for a weekend of crime fiction-inspired fun. Working with partners and sponsors across the city, the events included everything from guided walks, interviews and quizzes, to whisky tasting, music and art. RebusFest had it all and was a worthy celebration of the iconic detective.
What made Assembly Rooms stand out as a key venue for the book signing and Making a Detective event?
Assembly Rooms is a prestigious venue in a great city-centre location which made it ideal for those travelling to the ‘home’ of Rebus. The quality acoustics in the Music Hall meant it was perfect for the Making a Detective panel discussion and the Ballroom made a stunning backdrop for the book signing.
What were the highlights of the weekend?
The Making a Detective event at Assembly Rooms brought together author Ian Rankin and a panel of experts to discuss Edinburgh’s criminal underworld, past and present, as well as forensics and detectives from Police Scotland to uncover what happens in a real crime investigation. This was definitely the highlight of the weekend - it was the event which sold out first within the whole festival and it received the most positive feedback both from the audience, and from Ian.
With a successful weekend of sell out events, will RebusFest be returning to Edinburgh?
While there aren’t currently any plans for another RebusFest, it was a huge success and the theme really captured the audience so we will be rolling out the panel event throughout the country.
Would you recommend the Assembly Rooms?
Yes, definitely.