FROM the Brontës to Brexit, Words by the Water promises a feast of riches past and present for festival-goers next month.

The organisers of Keswick's acclaimed yearly literary event say it offers "a salve for furrowed brows" amid today's turbulent political times.

One hundred authors, poets, academics and speakers are to take to the stage at the Theatre by the Lake from Friday, March 3 to March 12, attracting thousands of book lovers to the scenic venue on Derwentwater's shore.

Among the household names booked to appear are Harriet Harman, the country's longest-serving female MP, who is to open the festival with a personal look at the life of women in politics.

A strong political seam runs through this year's Words by the Water, with former business secretary Vince Cable exploring how to balance the books in an increasingly uncertain global market; writer and campaigner Anthony Barnett asking where we go after Brexit and Donald Trump; and former home secretary Alan Johnson closing the festival with a reflection on his time in government and his thoughts on today's political situation.

Wonder and intrigue are promised by fascinating glimpses into the world of art and nature. Artist Eleanor Morgan is to investigate the power of gossamer-fine spider silk to map the stars, create fabrics, heal wounds and make music; while design writer Kassia St Clair will share her love of pigments, dyes and hues, from whitewash to avocado, acid yellow to international Klein blue. Monet's water lilies are the chosen topic of Ross King, who will contrast the tranquil canvases with the artist's personal turmoil and sadness.

Michelin-starred restaurateur and food writer Prue Leith is to take a look back at her career in cookery, while another famous face, TV presenter Chris Tarrant, will share his passion for railways, having devoted the past two-and-a-half years to travelling around the world by train.

The theme of the journey is also taken up by Madeleine Bunting as she talks about the far-flung Hebrides; and Penrith and The Border MP Rory Stewart fondly recalls his final, 600-mile walk with his 90-year-old father along The Marches.

Bringing a historical perspective to the festival, meanwhile, will be broadcaster Peter Snow, viewing our nation's history through 50 key documents; John Sutherland and Juliet Barker both uncovering the world of the Brontës; Anna Pasternak sharing her great-uncle's inspiration for Doctor Zhivago; former foreign secretary David Owen asking how close Winston Churchill came to seeking a peace deal with the Nazis; and Frances Wilson piecing together the 'rackety' life of opium eater Thomas De Quincey, one time editor of The Westmorland Gazette.

Box office 017687-74411. For more, visit www.theatrebythelake.com and www.wordsbythewater.org.uk