Words by the Water

THE annual Words by the Water festival has begun at Keswick's Theatre By The Lake and features many of the great names from the world of literature.

Today was Guardian writers day with northern editor Martin Wainwright and former northern correspondent David Ward taking to the stage. Martin entertained the audience with an hour-long ramble through the best of the north with Sekers, Marchon and Kangol being among the Cumbrian firms to gain a mention.

Next up was David Ward who seems to have cornered the market in writing about revamped theatres. David wrote Encore - the story of Keswick's blue box theatre which transformed into the magnificent building there today. And he's just written the book on the multi-million pound rebuilding of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It looks a fantastic building and David told the story of the politics behind the scene and the fantastic vision that produced the new national treasure.

There's still a week left of great events though most have long since sold out. Try queueing for returns or start booking for next year's festival.