A ROSTER of talent has been announced to go hand in hand with a Lake District literary festival that is returning after a Covid hiatus. 

The festival, originally starting as a small event in Keswick 23 years ago, has grown to host esteemed authors like Val McDermid.

Theatre by the Lake in Keswick will host the five-day festival, comprised of 50 unique events, from June 5 to June 9, 2024.

As a prelude to the festival, an event with popular author Alexander McCall Smith will be held on Friday, May 10.

Among the lineup of distinguished authors attending the festival are Daisy Dunn, Robin Ince, Kathryn Hughes and Cumbria's own M.W Craven, Helen Rebanks and Kerry Irving.

Veteran broadcaster and author Melvyn Bragg has previously voiced his support for the returning festival: "I am excited that a beloved event lost to Covid is bouncing back."

The festival will also hold a special appeal this year through the involvement of Melvyn Bragg's daughter, teacher and writer, Marie-Elsa Bragg, who returns as co-director of the event. 

Festival-goers can access all main house events on specified dates through Festival Passes.

Tickets have been available for general booking since April 22 by either calling the box office 017687 74411 or online at www.theatrebythelake.com.

The cost for a 3-Day Festival Pass, valid from June 5 to June 7, is £160 for 16 events.

Meanwhile, a Weekend Festival Pass costs £90 for nine events on June 8 and June 9. 

To view the full programme line up, visit www.wordsbythewaterkeswick.com/uploads/words-by-the-water-keswick-2024.pdf