The Kirkgate Literature Festival is set to charm literature enthusiasts once again at the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth next week.

The two-day event begins on Saturday, March 23, and continues on until Sunday, March 24.

After the success of the inaugural festival last year, this year's event is supported by Cumberland Council and brings together authors, poets, and creative artists from across the region to celebrate the written word.

Helen Johnston, community projects officer at Kirkgate Arts and Heritage, will be helping to compère the festival.

She said: "We’re delighted to showcase a fabulous line up of writers with Cumbrian connections.

"It is going to be a fantastic weekend with something for everyone."

What's on at the Kirkgate Literature Festival 2024?

Among the array of sessions on offer is a writing workshop called 'What's Your Story?' hosted by Jacqui Currie, a Cockermouth-based lecturer in Creative Writing for the Open University.

Attendees will learn the ropes of creating engaging narratives from real-life stories.

Author Harry Navinski will share insights about his DCI Suzanna McLeod series and discuss his new book 'The Last Walk'.

Wajid Hussain, a poet and artist based in Newcastle upon-Tyne, will present 'Dear Deddy-ji'.

Mr Hussain is currently undertaking a residency with the Lake District National Park Authority as part of the Black Nature in Residence programme.

Lake District author Sara Barnes will delve into how the power of cold-water immersion unlocked her 'creative and romantic spirit', while local musician and researcher Dr Dave Camlin will host a book launch featuring music and discussion about his recent book, 'Music Making and Civic Imagination'.

For families, award-winning children's writer Rab Ferguson will run an alien-making workshop, teaching young attendees how to conjure up characters and stories through writing and drawing.

In addition to this, best-selling children's author Helen Haraldsen will share her journey to becoming a published author with 'Work Towards Your Goals'.

Author Jill Clough explores the origins of ideas in relation to her latest novel in the session 'The Making of Cassie Clearwater', and poet and novelist Katie Hale presents 'White Ghosts', sharing her family history that spans more than 400 years.

To wrap up the festival, the 'Poets Out Loud' group will run a casual poetry open mic session welcoming all attendees to share their poetry.

Tickets for talks start at £5, with all-day refreshments available on-site.

Additionally, the New Bookshop from Cockermouth will host a stall at the festival, providing book signing opportunities at the Kirkgate after each session.

Tickets can be purchased from the Kirkgate Arts and Heritage website.