Supporters
Words by the Water Festival of Words and Ideas is now jointly organised by Leah Varnell in partnership with Lucy and Gwenda Matthews of Bookends Keswick and Carlisle
The book festival has been an important feature on the Keswick community calendar for 25 years. 2024 saw an exciting new adventure with Words by the Water in partnership with the independent Keswick bookshop, Bookends and Theatre by the Lake. The festival is a place to come together and share ideas, learn, discuss and discover.
Bookends
Bookends an independent, family-owned bookshop has been in Keswick over 30 years.
Theatre by the Lake
Theatre by the Lake has been producing theatre in Cumbria since 1999 when it replaced the much- loved Blue Box Century Theatre.
Kierweb
Kierweb offers Fast Affordable Web Design from one page websites to full e-commerce sites.
Fi & Becs
Fi & Becs Design & Wording is a boutique creative agency that doesn't cost the earth.
Also thanks to ...
Cumbria Life for supporting the festival once again
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/cumbria
Catherine Fairfield of Appletrees Guest House for providing lovely comfortable accommodation and hearty, delicious breakfasts for the writers who stay there.
https://appletreeskeswick.com
George at Merienda for providing delicious meals which are very much appreciated by the writers.
https://www.merienda.co.uk/
The University of Cumbria for their continued support.
https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduate/literature-romanticism-and-the-english-lake-district/
Words of Welcome from the Presidents of Words by the Water
Words by the Water is delighted that Melvyn Bragg is once again lending support to the long - established festival. “I am thrilled that the festival is back in Keswick after a number of challenging years. It has been a very difficult time in the arts generally and it is important for Cumbria that cultural events such as Words by the Water continue and thrive.” He is joined by his daughter, priest and writer, Marie-Elsa Bragg, as co-president for another year.
Their support for the festival, and championing the arts and cultural events in Cumbria and the surrounding area, is fantastic. Marie-Elsa will be chairing various events once again during the festival.
The festival continues to grow and flourish under their co-presidency and also, very importantly, with the support of our audiences and the writers programmed to appear. It is a strong and diverse programme and Words by the Water and Bookends are proud to present theatre, workshops, talks, and a writing competition for young talent. And this year they will host two Words by the Water special events during the Summer, with acclaimed authors Joanne Harris and David Nicholls
