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Cobham Literary Festival Celebrates Successful Inaugural Weekend



Cobham came alive with the sound of stories, ideas and conversation this weekend as the inaugural Cobham Literary Festival took place from 11–13 September, bringing leading authors, broadcasters, illustrators, poets and readers together for three days of literary events across the town.


Organised by The Cobham Bookshop, the first festival offered an ambitious programme designed to appeal to readers of all ages and interests, with events ranging from crime and espionage to politics, poetry, children’s literature, art, horticulture and new fiction.


The weekend opened with an impressive line-up of speakers and events, including conversations with leading authors and broadcasters, sessions for children and young readers, poetry, crime writing and discussions exploring everything from politics and history to gardens and the natural world. Among the highlights were Clare Balding and Callie Coles in Conversation with Rishi Persad, an evening with historian and author Sir Anthony Seldon, and the ever popular Alex Brycha MBE thrilling children and adults alike with his live illustrations.


With events taking place in venues across Cobham, the festival was designed not simply as a series of author talks, but as a celebration of reading, ideas and creativity at the heart of the local community. The programme brought together established names with emerging writers and offered audiences the chance to meet authors, hear their stories and discover their next favourite book. Phillip Wells, The Fire Poet brought another dimension to the festival with his wonderful interactive ‘pop up’ poetry at a variety of events across the weekend.


Community partnership at the heart of successful first festival


The organisers are particularly grateful to Downs Solicitors, the headline sponsor of the Cobham Literary Festival, whose support was instrumental in helping bring the inaugural event to life. As a new literary festival for Cobham, securing the support of a headline sponsor was an important milestone. Downs’ Solicitors commitment enabled the festival to establish an ambitious programme from its very first year, helping create a new cultural occasion for Cobham and contributing to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for books, conversation and creativity.


The partnership reflects the importance of businesses and organisations investing in the communities in which they operate and supporting initiatives that bring people together.

Amber O’Connor, Joint Managing Partner, Downs Solicitors commented:

“We were delighted to support the first Cobham Literary Festival as headline sponsor. The response from the community has been fantastic, and it has been wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy books, meet authors and share their enthusiasm for reading. We are proud to have played a part in helping establish what we hope will become a much-loved annual event in Cobham.”

The organisers would also like to thank the festival’s venues, partners, volunteers and everyone who attended for helping make the inaugural weekend such a success.


The strong response from audiences has provided an encouraging foundation for the festival’s future, with the organisers already looking ahead to building on the first year and bringing an even broader programme of authors and events to Cobham.


The inaugural Cobham Literary Festival marks an exciting new chapter for Cobham’s literary life, creating a new annual opportunity for readers to meet authors, discover new books and celebrate the power of stories to bring communities together.

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Family Business United is delighted to celebrate the success of family-owned dairy producer Tims Dairy, which has secured new accolades at the 2026 Great Taste Awards, further cementing its reputation for producing exceptional Greek-style dairy products.


Tims Dairy has been awarded a prestigious 2 Star Great Taste Award for its Greek Family Vanilla Kefir, one of the highest honours presented by the internationally recognised Great Taste Awards.


Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, the Great Taste Awards are regarded as the world's most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Products are judged solely on taste by a panel of more than 500 expert chefs, buyers, food writers and food critics, making a two-star award a significant endorsement of quality and flavour.


The latest success means that both of Tims Dairy's Greek Family Kefirs have now achieved 2 Star Great Taste Awards, highlighting the family's commitment to producing premium kefir with a rich, creamy texture, a gentle cultured flavour and the added benefit of being naturally lactose free.


Adding to the celebrations, the company's popular Greek Family Blackcurrant Yogurt has also received a 1 Star Great Taste Award, recognising its outstanding taste and further demonstrating the consistency of quality across the Tims Dairy range.


Founded on family values and generations of dairy expertise, Tims Dairy continues to champion traditional methods alongside innovation, using fresh British milk and family recipes to create products that are both delicious and nutritious.


Commenting on the awards, the team at Tims Dairy said:

"We are absolutely thrilled that our products have once again been recognised by the Great Taste Awards. To see both of our Greek Family Kefirs achieve two-star status, alongside a one-star award for our Blackcurrant Yogurt, is a fantastic achievement and a tribute to the passion and care that goes into everything we make. We would like to thank everyone who chooses Tims Dairy and the Great Taste judges for recognising what matters most – outstanding taste."

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, added:

"Family businesses are renowned for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship and consistency, and Tims Dairy is a wonderful example of that ethos in action. These awards are thoroughly deserved and reflect the passion, dedication and attention to detail that family-owned businesses bring to everything they produce. Congratulations to the entire team on this fantastic achievement."

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