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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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Dec 27, 2023
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In an era dominated by digital playlists and streaming services, the charm of the jukebox still resonates with music enthusiasts, evoking a sense of nostalgia that transcends generations. The allure of these iconic machines lies not only in the music they play but also in the memories they help create. So why do we have such an enduring love for jukeboxes?


A Musical Time Capsule

Jukeboxes have been a fixture in bars, diners, and lounges for decades. Their distinctive appearance, with colourful lights and rows of vinyl records or CDs, instantly transports us to a bygone era. They represent a musical time capsule, preserving the sounds of different decades and genres. Whether it's the crooning of Frank Sinatra, the rock 'n' roll of Elvis Presley, or the soulful tunes of Aretha Franklin, a jukebox offers a diverse selection that appeals to various tastes.


The Joy of Physical Interaction

In a world where most of our music consumption is done through a touchscreen or voice command, the act of selecting a song on a jukebox adds a tactile dimension to our music experience. Turning the pages of the song catalogue, inserting a coin, and pushing the buttons create a sense of connection with the music that's unparalleled. It's a hands-on approach to curating the soundtrack of our lives.


Community and Conversation

Jukeboxes are often found in communal spaces, like bars and diners, where people gather to socialise. The selection of songs on a jukebox can lead to conversations, debates, and even connections between strangers. It's a shared experience that fosters a sense of community, with patrons taking turns to choose songs that resonate with them, making the jukebox a hub of interaction.


Aesthetic Appeal

The visual appeal of jukeboxes is undeniable. Their retro design, complete with vibrant neon lights, chrome accents, and bubble tubes, adds a touch of nostalgia and style to any space. Jukeboxes aren't just functional; they are works of art that serve as a focal point in their surroundings.


Personal Soundtracks

For many, jukeboxes have been integral to key moments in their lives. They have witnessed first dates, celebrations, and emotional conversations, with specific songs serving as the backdrop to these memories. Our love for jukeboxes extends beyond the physical machines; it's the music they play that forms a part of our personal soundtracks.


The Resilience of Nostalgia

Nostalgia has a unique way of drawing us to the past, creating a comforting and reassuring connection to earlier times.


Jukeboxes are a tangible representation of this nostalgia, acting as time machines that transport us to the eras in which they were popular. Their enduring appeal is a testament to the power of nostalgia in our lives.


In a world that's constantly evolving, the love for jukeboxes reminds us of the enduring power of music, nostalgia, and the simple pleasure of choosing a song to set the mood. These iconic machines continue to be cherished relics that evoke not only the tunes of the past but also the memories that make them a beloved part of our lives.

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