Words by the Water festival returning to Lake District

Melvyn Bragg, festival co-president, welcomes attendees back to 'the jewel of literary festivals'.

Event highlights include exploration of Shakespeare's language with experts Ben and David Crystal, spirituality with Marie Elsa-Bragg, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by journalist Luke Harding, and comedy courtesy of Robin Ince and Natalie Haynes.

Regional talent shines at events such as Bookcase Day and On our Doorstep Day, both focusing on Cumbrian authors.

The festival also boasts appearances by radio personality Stuart Maconie, Kerry Irving, and Helen Rebanks discussing her debut book, The Farmer’s Wife.

Themed days include Women and History, Journeys, and Identity and the Self.

The Bookshop Band is set to make an appearance (Image: Supplied)

Polly Toynbee, speaker and Guardian journalist, said: "During the past two decades, for so many book lovers (and authors) the calendar reminds us to head to Keswick and a trip to Derwentwater for the stimulation, fun, companionship (and good eating) of Words by the Water.”

In a vibrant mix of author talks, music, theatre, and creative workshops, attendees can enjoy a one-woman show by theatre company On a Role and a delve into children’s author Enid Blyton’s life.

The festival even brings the tunes of the Bookshop Band and interactive workshops for attendees.

As a prelude to the festival, see Alexander McCall-Smith, author of Mma Ramotswe and the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency in Botswana, on May 10.

Leah Varnell, festival director, said: “It is wonderful that we are putting on a five day festival of words and ideas again in the beautiful Lake District.

"It has felt like a long year with no festival in 2023, so it's very exciting to be back in 2024 and working alongside Lucy and Gwenda Matthews of Bookends to bring debate, discussion and entertainment in Theatre by the Lake this June.”

Lucy Matthews, Bookends director, shared her delight about their increased role in the festival's programming.

She said: “We are delighted to have an increased role in programming this much loved festival. We hope that everyone will leave feeling restored, nourished and revitalised by the wealth of words and ideas on offer.”

Marie-Elsa Bragg, festival co-president, reflected on the profound literary history of Cumbria.

She said: "Cumbria has a profound literary history to build on.

"Words by the Water has brought writers to experience the wild beauty of our mountains and lakes whilst readers of every generation share and debate their ideas.

"This year, I'm grateful to have been asked to step forward again as co-president in the hope that this cultural hub will continue.”

Tickets for the festival, taking place from June 5-9, are now up for grabs at Theatre by the Lake, and festival passes are available.