A host of acclaimed authors will be taking part in the annual Keswick literature festival.

Celebrated crime writer Val McDermid will be at Words by the Water, sharing her skills as a storyteller, discussing her work and much-anticipated thriller ‘How the Dead Speak’. Jenny Éclair will also be at the Theatre by the Lake, talking about her latest novel, Inheritance.

Political discussion will be provided by Polly Toynbee and David Walker as they unpick the unprecedented political events that saw out the last decade.

Whilst former leader of the Scottish Conservative Party Ruth Donaldson will be reflecting on her journey through the contemporary political landscape.

The festival takes place from March 6 to 15.

Detective Maggie Oliver will detail her One-Woman’s Campaign to Fight for Justice and reflect on the sacrifices she made to expose child grooming and sex trafficking.

David Owen will be making sense of Donald Trump, Gavin Esler will be making sense of Brexit and Deborah Moggach will be making sense of 'Growing Old'.

Guardian sketch writer John Crace will also be on hand to take a sideways look at the whole state of play in the country.

Festival president Melvyn Bragg will be reflecting on the research for his next book, a personal memoir of Wigton, the town of his youth.

Joan Bakewell joins Sarah Hosking in conversation about a unique set of short stories that focus on the disappearing culture of traditional village life.

The Studio space at the Theatre by the Lake will be offering an eclectic range of events with talks organized into theme days including Writing Lives, Creativity and Imagination, Histories and Global Issues.

Keswick resident and author Kerry Irving will chart the remarkable story of life-changing events and companionship with Max the Miracle Dog, who has a huge online following.

Other speakers include: A L Kennedy, Angus Winchester, Salley Vickers, Ben Okri and Julia Neuberger.

For further information go to: www.theatrebythelake.com.