A POPULAR literature festival is set to return to Keswick next month, bringing a glittering line-up of authors from across the country together to celebrate books and ideas.
After two years, festival-goers will gather in person at Theatre by the Lake once again to hear a fabulous selection of authors and celebrate 21 years of Words by the Water.
“We are delighted, and relieved, to be back in Keswick,” said Leah Varnell, general manager of Words by the Water.
“The last time we were here it was right at the start of the pandemic.
"We’ve been working through a tough time, like so many organisations: the lack of certainly has been a huge challenge.
"But having such excellent speakers in our programme, and knowing how excited people are that the festival is back, is a huge boost.
"We can’t wait to welcome writers and festival-goers back to Theatre by the Lake.”
The festival’s president Melvyn Bragg is also thrilled to see the festival return.
"Keswick seems made to be the centre of a Lake District literary gathering, as so often in the past the Lake District has been at the centre of literature," said Baron Bragg.
"I'm sure that the audiences we've gathered over the last twenty-one years, and many who are new to the festival, will come to be part of this revival.”
The festival will be a little shorter than previous years, with fewer events each day to allow for covid safety measures, but the programme of 56 events features award-winning and best-selling writers across fiction and non-fiction and covers all manner of subjects.
From science, nature and ecology to history, philosophy, economics and politics there is, as ever, something for everyone.
Fiction and poetry writers in the line-up include crime-fiction royalty Val McDermid and Ann Cleeves, the Cumbrian Man Booker Prize shortlisted author Sarah Hall, and Sunday Times bestselling author Frank Gardner.
And an evening with the prolific poet Roger McGough is set to be a particularly special event.
Guardian parliamentary sketch writer John Crace will be talking. The wonders of the natural world, both around the world and in Cumbria, are celebrated by ornithologist Tim Birkhead, ecologist and manager for RSPB Haweswater Lee Schofield, and champion of butterflies and moths Matthew Oates.
Festival visitors can explore the past with renowned historians Alison Weir, Jenny Uglow, Franny Moyle, Laura Thompson and Irving Finkel, and archaeologist Francis Pryor.
Those with an interest in politics can discover more about the leaders who never were with political columnist Steve Richards and gain an insight into the world of Theresa May with her former chief of staff, Gavin Barwell.
Vince Cable explains how politicians change the fortunes of their voters with economics, Guardian journalist Luke Harding and former secretary of state David Owen both explore the relationship between Russia and the West.
Journalist and podcaster Viv Groskop will explore the complexities of ambition for women. Comedian and science communicator Robin Ince argues why we should all be interested in science and will also explore wonders of evolutionary biology.
The festival marks the beginning of a new era with another addition to the team. Baron Bragg will be joined as a co-president by his daughter, the writer Marie-Elsa Bragg.
“Cumbria has a profound literary history. I am grateful to have been asked to join the team and step forward as co-president to collaborate in the hope that this cultural hub will continue for generations to come,” said Ms Bragg.
Words by the Water will run from Tuesday, March 15, to Sunday, March 20.
To book tickets call 017687 74411 or visit theatrebythelake.com.
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