KATE Adie is one of the many well-known faces at this year's Words by the Water Literature Festival, which is packed yet again with talks, readings, workshops, discussions, interviews and book signings.

Best known for her journalistic forays into war-torn areas of the globe, Ms Adie has written a history of women in uniform over the past century and shares her findings in Corsets to Camouflage at the Brewery Arts Centre (1.30pm) on Saturday, February 26.

The Kendal arts centre hosts the festival's opening day, with the chairman of the Arts Council England Sir Christopher Frayling offering an entertaining and interesting angle on society's perceptions of scientists.

Brewery events also include John Sergeant on Maggie Her Fatal Legacy (6pm) and Levens Hall head gardener Chris Crowder, talking about his book, which charts the 300-year history of the Levens garden, often described as one of the top ten in the UK.

On Sunday, February 27, top poet Jo Shapcott will introduce the winning wordsmiths in the Mirehouse Poetry Competition and read some of her own work. Staged in conjunction with Words by the Water, it runs from 2.30pm at Mirehouse, Bassenthwaite.

From Tuesday, March 1, to Sunday, March 6, the festival runs at Theatre by the Lake with writers, poets, comics and other scribes popping up in Keswick and waxing lyrical about their chosen subjects.

Former MP Roy Hattersley appears on the Tuesday (10.30am) as does novelist Louis de Bernieres (5.30pm).

One of the many talks featured on March 2 is John Sugden, exploring the life of naval hero Nelson. Nature writer Richard Mabey is on the March 3 bill, telling of how re-engaging with the delights of nature helped return him to health after serious depression. Hunter Davies is one of the speakers on March 4 (4pm and 7.30pm) while, on March 5, Michael Buerk tells the story of his personal and professional life (11.30am) and Crossing the Lines, Fact into Fiction puts Melvyn Bragg (the festival's president) centre stage on the same Saturday at 2.30pm.

Finally, the Sunday bill (March 6) includes award-winning reporter Jon Snow (11.30am); Cockermouth's Castlegate Gallery owner Chris Wadsworth with an illustrated talk on Percy Kelly: His Painted Letters; television's grand master of literary adaptations Andrew Davies (2.30pm) plus Kit and the Widow, who present a selection of satirical songs (8pm) to celebrate their 20 years on the road.

In all, there are more than 50 events for what promises to be another momentous Words by the Water gathering. Tickets details are available on 017687-74411 (Theatre by the Lake) and 01539-725133 (Brewery box office).