Words by the Water reaches it’s 18th festival at the Theatre by the Lake. It has grown over the years to become a huge success and a major attraction for Keswick, Cumbria and the North West of England.
Over these years the course of the festival has been steered by festival directors Kay Dunbar and Stephen Bristow. This year sees a positive change as General Manger of the festival and former lecturer of English Literature Leah Varnell steps up to become Managing Director of Ways With Words. Leah has been with the company for 5 years and has worked in the production and curation of the festivals in Keswick, Dartington and Southwold.
Kay Dunbar (Festival Director) said: “This is an exciting time for the festival as we move towards our second decade in Keswick at Theatre by the Lake. Leah Varnell joins the directorial team at Ways With Words and under Leah’s guidance I am confident that Words by the Water will grow, develop and enjoy success in the coming years.”
Leah Varnell (Managing Director) said: “This is thrilling new challenge. As well as continuing to host interesting, thought-provoking speakers and stimulating events we are introducing a few new ideas. Nationally the arts are under great pressure in the current climate and we are proud and delighted to remain one of the leading festivals in the country thanks to our loyal audiences who continue to support our work and attend events. I’d encourage everyone to take a look at the programme and join us to share ideas and be a part of the vibrant community of Words by the Water.”
This year’s preparation for the festival in March is well underway. The festival hosts premier authors of local, national and international importance. Highlights this year include: Prue Leith discussing her favourite recipes and the intriguing stories behind their creation, Dr Sarah Churchwell examining the state of American politics as well as editorial director of the BBC Kamal Ahmed reflecting on race in Britain. Alan Johnson appears at the theatre to discuss the music of his teenage years, a world of Dansettes and jukeboxes, whilst Chris Bonington charts the emotional toll of climbing the world’s highest mountain. There is comedy in the form of Robert Ince and even a daring story by Tim FitzHigham on how he rowed an antique bath across the channel to France. Theme days in the Studio will explore the depths of the ocean, the heights of adventure, the minds of some of the world’s greatest philosophers and includes an all new family day on Sunday 17th March with horrible histories illustrator Martin Brown.
The festival runs from 8-17 March 2019 at the Theatre by the Lake.
Tickets are £11 for the Main Stage events, £10 for the Studio
Day Ticket and festival passes are available
Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatrebythelake.com or by calling the theatre box office on 017687 74411.
