ORGANISERS of this year’s “SPYfest Goulburn: The Epicentre of Espionage” have announced that one of the events’ special guests, the internationally renowned thriller author, Frederick Forsyth, is unable to attend.

Wendy Antony, from the SPYfest Organising Committee says the event will still go ahead as planned for the most part with Australia’s only Bond, George Lazenby, as special guest next weekend in Goulburn.

“Due to an unforeseen event that has prohibited him from travelling, Frederick Forsyth is unable to attend SPYfest this year,” Wendy said.

“The festival organisers are disappointed that Frederick won’t be here in Goulburn to be part of the spy-filled weekend, however we understand his position completely.

“We were so thrilled that Mr Forsyth had accepted our invitation to join us this year and we are saddened that he can no longer be part of this year’s event.

“Many months of planning have gone into his itinerary, including the opportunity for Frederick to fulfil a lifelong dream of visiting Ningaloo Reef whilst in Australia. Frederick has also expressed his sadness that he cannot make it as planned.

“We understand this will be a great disappointment to the many people travelling from all over Australia for the unique opportunity to meet, engage with and hear from an admired author about his life and many escapades,” Wendy continued.

Frederick Forsyth has expressed his regret.

“I am deeply sorry and disappointed I won’t be able to attend SPYfest. It is with heavy heart I have to pull out. I wish your festival every success,” Frederick said.

All of the SPYfest events will still go ahead as planned, with some minor changes. Visitors are encouraged to check the SPYfest website www.spyfestgoulburn.com.au or call the Goulburn Visitors Centre directly on (02) 4823 4492 to find out more about the program of events.

“The show must go on, and despite the blow to SPYfest, this year’s event is shaping up to deliver another action packed, spy-filled weekend with none other than George Lazenby,” said Wendy.

“We know Frederick was really looking forward to coming to Goulburn and talking to his many fiction fans, and we welcome him to come back to Goulburn for future SPYfests in years to come,” Wendy concluded.

SPYfest takes place on the weekend of 16-18 September throughout Goulburn. Some events are ticketed, with limited places available. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to spyfestgoulburn.com.au. For more information on Goulburn visit www.goulburnaustralia.com.au