JOURNALIST Kate Adie is one of the many high profile figures in this year's Words by the Water Literature Festival, which is packed yet again with talks, readings, workshops, discussions, interviews and book signings.

Ms Adie has written a history of women in uniform over the past century and shares her findings in Corsets to Camouflage at Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre (1.30pm) on Saturday, February 26.

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

From Tuesday, March 1 to Sunday, March 6, the festival runs at Theatre by the Lake.

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); and on March 5 Crossing the Lines, Fact into Fiction puts Melvyn Bragg centre stage at 2.30pm.

Finally, the Sunday bill (March 6) includes award-winning reporter Jon Snow (11.30am) plus television's grand master of literary adaptations Andrew Davies (2.30pm).

Tickets details are available on 017687-74411 (Theatre by the Lake) and 01539-725133 from the Brewery box office.