Words by the Water returns for 2025!
Words by the Water Festival returns with expanded programme and star-studded line-up
by Danielle Murphy
This March, the highly anticipated Words by the Water festival, in partnership with Bookends, returns to Theatre by the Lake with an expanded programme, bringing a dazzling array of speakers and events to Keswick.
Festival favourites will return, including James Rebanks, who will explore the importance of roots in the land, and Mike Berners-Lee, offering insights from his new book on climate activism. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will perform readings of his celebrated poems, as well as new works. The festival finale will feature Reverend Richard Coles discussing his latest murder mystery.
Crime fiction enthusiasts are in for a treat with appearances from North-Eastern stars Ann Cleeves and L.J. Ross. Booker Prize long-lister Sarah Perry will be interviewed by acclaimed Cumbrian author Sarah Hall.
Festival Director Leah Varnell notes, “We’re thrilled to highlight local voices with initiatives like ‘Book Case Choices’ and ‘On Your Doorstep,’ while our Studio events will dive into vital themes such as the environment, culture, and politics. We’re also excited to introduce the Cumbrian ‘Young Writers Competition.’”
Lucy Matthews, Director of Bookends, adds, “Words by the Water is a space for debate and discussion. This year’s programme includes thought-provoking talks from Polly Toynbee and George Monbiot of The Guardian, classicist and comedian Natalie Haynes, and former politician Alan Johnson.”
“The festival will also feature a thrilling murder mystery performance by local theatre company Highly Suspect.”
The festival’s diverse programme covers a range of topics, including African cultural history, food and farming with philosopher Julian Baggini, and art discussions on Gauguin, Lowry, and Winifred Nicholson. Other highlights include Rebecca Wilson on Georgian feminists, TV critic Lucy Mangan on reading, and historian Diarmaid McCullough exploring Christianity and sex.
Special summer events include talks by Joanne Harris (June 3) and David Nicholls (July 6).
The festival runs from March 12-16, offering author talks, workshops, poetry readings, and free children’s events.
For updates, visit www.wordsbythewaterkeswick.co.uk
To learn more about what’s happening, follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
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