Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival 2026

Sponsored by: Seabourn Cruise Line

A very special afternoon tea at the iconic Rock Hotel with Grant Harrold, former Royal Butler to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Drawing on his years working within the Royal Household, Grant will share fascinating stories and insights into royal life, tradition and etiquette, offering guests a rare glimpse behind palace doors. The event will be accompanied by a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings of The Rock Hotel.

A unique Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival experience combining royal stories, British tradition and a touch of indulgence.

Perfect for: Royal enthusiasts, readers of memoirs and etiquette fans.

Sponsored by: The John Mackintosh Educational Trust

Always one of the festival’s most popular sessions, the Lightning Talks return in 2026 with a vibrant mix of voices from Gibraltar’s artistic and literary community.

Perfect for: Festival-goers looking for short, dynamic insights, educators, families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Gibraltar’s cultural identity.

Broadcaster and journalist John Suchet embarks on a deeply personal journey to understand one of history’s greatest composers. Blending biography, travel and memoir, he retraces Beethoven’s footsteps from Bonn to Vienna while exploring the music, mysteries and enduring legacy of a man whose work continues to inspire audiences around the world. Join John for a fascinating discussion on Beethoven’s life, the discoveries that shaped this remarkable book, and the transformative power of great music.

Perfect for: Classical music fans, musicians, and biography readers. 

Sponsored by: Seabourn Cruise Line

International bestselling author and beloved storyteller Joanne Harris returns with Sleepers in the Snow, a captivating collection of winter tales filled with magic, mystery and imagination. Blending folklore, fantasy and her trademark lyrical prose, Harris invites readers into enchanting worlds where the extraordinary lies just beneath the surface. Join her for a fascinating conversation about storytelling, myth, and the inspiration behind this richly atmospheric collection.

Perfect for: Fans of science fiction and fantasy, love, loss and mystery.

In the final volume of his acclaimed authorised biography of Margaret Thatcher, Lord Charles Moore examines the dramatic closing years of her premiership, her fall from power, and the enduring legacy she left behind. Drawing on unparalleled access to Thatcher’s personal papers and closest confidants, Moore explores the events that helped shape modern Britain, from the end of the Cold War to the growing debates surrounding Europe.

The event will also include a theatrical performance featuring a semi-dramatisation of Margaret Thatcher’s final three days in office, followed by a Q&A with Dr Harry Brunjes.

Join Lord Moore and Kate Ehrman, who assisted in the research and preparation of all three volumes of Margaret Thatcher’s authorised biographies, for a compelling discussion on one of the twentieth century’s most influential and controversial political figures. Together, they will reflect on Thatcher’s leadership, the circumstances surrounding her departure from office, and her lasting impact on Britain and the wider world.

Perfect for: British history and politics enthusiasts, political literature and biographies. 

Sponsored by: The Kishin Alwani Foundation

Drawing on extensive original research, Richard Garcia uncovers the little-known story of Gibraltar in the months leading up to the Second World War. Exploring daily life on the Rock in 1939, the outbreak of war, and its profound impact on the civilian population, he reveals how Gibraltarians experienced a period of uncertainty and upheaval before the evacuation of women and children began in 1940. Illustrated throughout and based on a wealth of primary sources that have never previously been examined as a whole, this fascinating talk sheds new light on a pivotal chapter of Gibraltar's history and presents remarkable findings never published before.

Perfect for: History lovers, local heritage enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Gibraltar's wartime story.

Through her own personal campaign, Dr Meenal Viz shares the remarkable story of protecting healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic and her landmark legal challenge against the UK government. Combining personal experience with wider lessons in activism, she explores how individuals can challenge systems, influence policy and create meaningful change. Join Dr Meenal Viz for a powerful discussion on healthcare, social justice, and the courage it takes to speak out when it matters most.

Perfect for: Healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in medical advocacy and social change. 

About this event: Bestselling author Adele Parks discusses her gripping new thriller, Eyes On You, a tense and twist-filled story of obsession, secrets and betrayal. In conversation about her remarkable career of writing 26 novels in 26 years, Adele will share the inspirations behind her latest book, her creative process, and the techniques that have made her one of the UK's most compelling thriller writers. Join her for a fascinating insight into the craft of creating page-turning suspense.

Perfect for: lovers of fictional crime, psychological thrillers and aspiring writers.   

Phil Manzanera’s memoir covers Roxy Music, the Cuban Revolution and more, tracing a life that reads like fiction. Born in London to an English father and Colombian mother, he was just six years old when his family moved to Cuba, and two years later they were dodging bullets on New Year’s Eve 1958 as the revolution unfolded. Childhood chapters set in Cuba, Hawaii and Venezuela give way to grey but electric 1960s London, where his music career began. The book charts his path through Quiet Sun, his 1972 audition for Roxy Music, and five decades as the band’s guitarist — alongside solo work, production credits, and collaborations with Brian Eno, David Gilmour, Robert Wyatt and others. Along the way: a Colombian pirate ancestor, a spy in the family tree, and the surprise discovery of an Italian opera-singer grandfather. An Evening of Words and Music brings this story to the stage — Phil reading passages and sharing anecdotes from the memoir, interspersed with live guitar and songs that shaped each chapter of his life. It’s part author talk, part intimate gig: reflections on Roxy, Cuba, and family history, illustrated in real time by the music itself.

Perfect for: Music fans and musicians, memoir and biography readers. 

About this event: Through powerful images and deeply researched storytelling, Anne Sebba shines a light on the extraordinary resilience of women and girls who survived the Holocaust. Exploring stories of courage, moral choices and solidarity in the face of unimaginable hardship, they reveal how survival itself became a form of resistance to the Nazi regime. This moving and thought-provoking event restores the humanity of those reduced to numbers, while reflecting on the lasting impact that survival carried long after the war had ended.

Perfect for: History and music enthusiasts, Historical literature and those interested in stories of courage, resilience and human survival. 

About this event: Dr Ali Bahaijoub examines one of North Africa’s most enduring and complex political disputes: the future of Western Sahara and the evolving relationship between Morocco and Algeria. Marking 50 years since Morocco’s recovery of the territory from Spanish colonial rule, this timely discussion explores the historical roots of the conflict, recent diplomatic developments, and the impact of UN efforts to advance a lasting political solution. Offering insight into a question that has shaped regional politics for decades, this event will consider the challenges, opportunities and prospects for peace in the region.

Perfect for: Those interested in colonial history, regional conflicts and Diplomacy, modern history and international relations.

About this event: Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Dr Santhouse explores the changing face of mental health in his thought-provoking new book, No More Normal: Why We Need to Rethink Mental Health and Diagnosis. As discussions of mental health move from the consulting room into everyday life, he examines the growing rise in diagnoses, medications and waiting lists, asking whether we are truly less psychologically healthy than previous generations. Challenging assumptions about what it means to be "normal", this fascinating event offers fresh perspectives on one of the most pressing issues facing society today, along with practical ideas for addressing the current mental health crisis.

Perfect for: Readers interested in psychology, mental health, wellbeing, and contemporary social issues.

About this event:In the Witch Trial, bestselling thriller writer Harriet Tyce delivers a gripping tale of secrets, suspicion and hidden truths. Combining psychological tension with sharp insights into power and human behaviour, the novel draws readers into a world where appearances can be dangerously deceiving. Join Harriet for an engaging discussion about the inspiration behind the book, her writing process, and the art of crafting compelling, suspense-filled fiction.

Perfect for: Fans of dark suspenseful thrillers, occult and supernatural themes, and legal dramas. 

Khalida Popal shares the extraordinary true story of the Afghan women’s football team and their fight for freedom, equality and survival. From building opportunities for women through sport to coordinating the rescue of players after the Taliban’s return to power, her memoir is a powerful testament to courage, sisterhood and resilience in the face of adversity. Join Khalida for an inspiring discussion about leadership, activism and the transformative power of sport to challenge injustice and create hope in even the darkest circumstances.

Perfect for: Readers of memoir, women in sport, women’s empowerment stories, and inspiring accounts of courage resilience and social change. 

Sponsored by: Bassadone Automotive Group

About this event: Leslie Cavendish shares his extraordinary journey from a young apprentice hairdresser to becoming the trusted stylist of The Beatles at the height of their fame. Offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on one of the most influential bands in history, he reflects on the music, fashion and cultural revolution of the 1960s, as well as his personal experiences with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. Join him for a fascinating conversation filled with unforgettable stories from the heart of Beatlemania and one of the most exciting eras in popular culture.

Perfect for: Beatles fans, music enthusiasts, readers interested in celebrity culture and behind the scenes stories. 

Arturo Pérez-Reverte discusses two compelling works, Enviado Especial and Misión en París, exploring the worlds of journalism, espionage and international intrigue that have made him one of Spain's most celebrated writers. Drawing on his experience as a war correspondent and master storyteller, Pérez-Reverte will reflect on the themes, characters and real-life inspirations behind these gripping narratives. Join him for a fascinating conversation about history, adventure and the art of crafting unforgettable stories.

Perfect for: Lovers of Historical Fiction, wartime drama and tales inspired by extraordinary true events. 

Sponsored by: Bassadone Automotive Group

About this event: Therapist and Author Sally Baker explores why we can understand our patterns and still feel unable to change them. This session looks at how early experiences shape the way we respond as adults, often outside conscious choice. It challenges the idea that resilience is about pushing through and instead reframes it as the ability to update patterns that no longer serve you. Join Sally to gain a clear understanding of why insight alone is not enough, why familiar reactions persist even as life moves on, and what actually enables change. This is not about managing yourself better. It is about understanding what has been driving the pattern, and what shifts it at its source.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in self-care, mental health, personal growth, and understanding lasting change.

Sponsored by: Westmed Insurance Services

About this event: The Great British Bake-Off presenter, Great British Menu judge, restaurateur and cookery school founder joins us for a chat about her Sunday Times bestselling memoir Being Old and Learning to Love It, a frank, funny and thoroughly entertaining reckoning with life in her eighties. From love and loss to assisted dying, fashion, fame and finding joy, nothing is off limits. Join her for a warm, uplifting and entertaining conversation about ageing well, finding joy in every stage of life, and making the most of the years ahead.

Perfect for: Readers interested in memoirs and self-development, ageing, and embracing later life with confidence, humour and purpose.

Sponsored by: NASUWT

About this event: World history author Christopher Lloyd takes his audience on an extraordinary story from the beginning of time to the present day using his cross-curricular interconnected narrative that highlights key moment in the story of planet, life, and people from the beginning to the present day. Using his signature coat of many pockets everyone of all ages can enjoy this unique ride through natural and human history.

Dame Penny Mordaunt explores the traditions, ceremonies and values that have helped shape British identity through the centuries. From coronations and Parliament to local customs and national acts of remembrance, she examines how these rituals continue to influence modern life and provide continuity in a rapidly changing world. Join her for an engaging discussion on history, heritage, and why traditions still matter today.

Perfect for: British history, culture and customs enthusiasts, Heritage, and the stories and ceremonies that shape modern Britain. 

Sponsored by: Bassadone Automotive Group

About this event: Drawing on personal experience, research and the stories of men from all walks of life, George Bell explores the growing male mental health crisis and the urgent need to rethink how we talk about masculinity. Discussing the inspiration behind his book, he examines why so many men struggle in silence, the barriers that prevent them from seeking support, and how healthier, more open models of masculinity can help create meaningful change. Blending memoir, expert insight and lived experience, this thought-provoking event offers a powerful conversation about men's mental health, the writing process behind the book, and how we can begin to build a more compassionate future for men and boys.

Perfect for: Readers interested in men's mental health, modern masculinity, social change, and personal stories of resilience.

This dynamic two-hour workshop explores how personal resilience shapes leadership decision-making in a corporate environment. Drawing on the facilitator’s acclaimed resilience workbook, participants will engage with three carefully selected worksheets in 20-minute breakout sessions—working solo, in pairs, or small groups as they prefer.

Together, you will:

• Examine how the inner voice influences confidence and performance, and learn strategies to interrupt negative self-talk.
• Identify and reframe unhelpful thinking styles that can undermine leadership.
• Map pivotal moments on a personal timeline to understand how external factors affect decisive versus doubtful leadership experiences.

Designed as an experiential session, the workshop encourages active participation, reflection, and practical application of insights. Delegates will receive a copy of the full resilience book and all ten worksheets, allowing them to continue their learning independently.

Perfect for:Corporate leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone seeking to strengthen their decision-making and adaptability through greater self-awareness and resilience.

Sponsored by: JME Trust

About this event: Beth O’Brien is a children’s author with a passion for folk and fairy tales. Born severely visually impaired and with an upper limb difference, her work is shaped by a strong interest in disability representation and the importance of seeing different experiences reflected in stories. Her debut novel, Wolf Siren, reimagines Little Red Riding Hood with a visually impaired protagonist, while her second novel, Feather Vane, explores the assumptions and judgements that can come with having a visible difference.

In this interactive workshop, Beth will introduce students to her books and explore how traditional fairy tales have been retold and reimagined over time. Through a series of creative prompts, students will develop their own characters, plots and story openings, encouraging them to broaden their ideas of who can be the hero of a story. The session will conclude with a relaxed, pressure-free opportunity to share their ideas or story openings with the group.

Perfect for: young readers and aspiring writers, and those interested in creative storytelling, fairy tales, disability representation, and inclusive stories.

Drawing on the latest research, expert insights and her own experience as a wellbeing coach and podcast host, Kate Moryoussef offers an empowering and practical guide for women navigating life with ADHD. She explores the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent women while sharing tools to build resilience, manage overwhelm and embrace individual strengths. Join Kate for an inspiring discussion about wellbeing, self-acceptance and how women with ADHD can move beyond simply coping to truly thriving.

Perfect for: Women with ADHD, self-help lovers, and those seeking practical tools for thriving with neurodiversity.

Irish journalist and renowned columnist Melanie McDonagh explores the remarkable wave of writers, artists and intellectuals who embraced Catholicism in twentieth-century Britain. Through the lives of figures including Oscar Wilde, G.K. Chesterton, Graham Greene and Muriel Spark, she examines the spiritual, cultural and personal journeys that led them to faith in an age often defined by growing secularism. Join Melanie for a fascinating discussion on belief, identity, literature and the enduring influence of religion on some of Britain's most celebrated creative minds.

Perfect for: Religious and cultural history enthusiasts, British history, and biographies.

Sunday Times bestselling writer, journalist and host of the Tiny Acts of Bravery podcast Clover Stroud reflects on family, memory and the landscapes that shape our lives. With her trademark honesty and lyrical storytelling, she explores love, loss and the enduring connections between people and place. Join Clover for an intimate conversation about the inspirations behind this deeply personal book and the art of transforming lived experience into compelling writing.

Perfect for: memoir readers, family relationships, and reflections on love, loss and resilience.

This event focuses on author and psychotherapist Ella McCrystal’s journey from Wounded to Integrated, and how we can all find a way from pain to power. This talk is designed to look at how unresolved trauma lives in our psyche and in our nervous systems. The event offers a steady, clinically informed exploration of how trauma shapes identity, behaviour, and our bodies in adulthood. The event reframes survival strategies such as perfectionism, hyper independence, over responsibility, and emotional shutdown as intelligent adaptations rather than flaws. It explores why these patterns eventually become exhausting, and why insight alone rarely leads to lasting change. The lecture introduces integration rather than healing, showing how nervous system safety, regulation, and self-leadership allow people to move beyond survival without losing their strength. A brief, accessible regulating moment is included so the audience leaves not only informed, but calmer and more connected within themselves. This is not a motivational speech. It is an embodied, psychologically grounded experience that leaves audiences clearer, steadier, and more self-directed.

Perfect for: Anyone interested in trauma, personal development, self-understanding, and emotional wellbeing.

Sponsored by: NASWUT

About this event: Christopher Lloyd hosts an unforgettable experience where the audience is challenged to compete in teams (or as individuals) to win the crown of Gibraltar Lit fest Quiz Champion 2026! Be sure to bring an internet connected phone or iPad to participate and, as well as the Champion’s crown, there will be prizes for the winners of each round! Suitable for all ages 6-106.

Archbishop Alfred Xuereb shares a unique and deeply personal portrait of Pope Benedict XVI in My Days with Benedict XVI. Drawing on his years as one of the Pope’s closest aides, Xuereb offers rare insights into Benedict’s daily life, faith, humour and humanity, alongside reflections on some of the most significant moments of his pontificate. Join him for a fascinating conversation about service, leadership, and the enduring legacy of one of the Catholic Church’s most influential figures.

Perfect for: Readers interested in Vatican and papal History, Biographies, and unknown insights into the life and leadership of Pope Benedict XVI.

Sponsored by: Bassadone Automotive Group

About this event: Caring for someone with dementia can be one of life’s greatest challenges. In The Adaptive Caregiver Model, Andy Baker offers a compassionate and practical approach that focuses on adapting care to the individual rather than the diagnosis. Drawing on real-world experience, he explores how greater understanding, empathy and flexibility can help preserve dignity, connection and wellbeing throughout the changing stages of dementia. Andrew will share an insightful discussion on caregiving, resilience, and the importance of person-centred support for those living with dementia and those who care for them.

Perfect for: Carers, healthcare professionals and those interested in caregiving, resilience and navigating the challenges of supporting loved ones.

Supporting The Gibraltar Alzheimer's & Dementia Society (GADS)

It would be hard to think of a more thoroughly Cornish name than Petroc Trelawny. His first name is shared with one of Cornwall's most celebrated saints, his second is the name of its unofficial national anthem. But when a stranger challenges the Radio 3 presenter on his ancestry, he is inspired to return to the lands of his boyhood to rediscover the place where he grew up, and attempt to confirm if he still belongs there. Part history, part memoir, this is a deeply felt exploration of Cornwall - past, present and future. Petroc embarks on a slow journey that sees him visit old mine workings, ancient churches, sites where new technology was forged, and places where poets, musicians, architects and film makers have worked to shape Cornwall's cultural identity.

Perfect for: History and travel enthusiasts, Heritage and cultural identity, Cornwall and British landscape lovers.

Three exciting voices in fictional literature come together for a lively panel that delves into the art of fictional writing and storytelling. Callie Kazumi brings suspense, intrigue and unforgettable characters to the page; Eliza Clark is celebrated for her fearless, darkly funny and razor-sharp writing; and Sean Gilbert makes an impressive debut with a darkly humorous and suspenseful psychological thriller. Together they will discuss their inspirations, writing process, and the exploration of how to keep readers hooked.

Perfect for: Fiction lovers, aspiring writers, unconventional fiction buffs. 

Cart Historian and curator for the Tate on British Art 1790-1850 Nicola Moorby offers a fresh look at two of Britain's greatest artists, whose rivalry, achievements and contrasting visions helped transform landscape painting. Exploring their lives side by side, she reveals the personal ambitions, creative influences and shared determination that secured their place in art history. Join her for a fascinating discussion on art, creativity and the enduring legacy of Turner and Constable in shaping British culture and uncover the layers of fiction that have disguised their greatest achievements.

Perfect for: Art History buffs, artist biographies, stories of rivalry.

Internationally acclaimed comedian, narrator and bestselling author Alison Larkin talks with Christian Santos about ‘Grief... A Comedy’, her acclaimed autobiographical novel. A funny, moving, uplifting story that shows how true love lives on after death, based on her hit solo comedy show of the same name. Join Alison for an uplifting conversation about finding laughter in life’s most challenging moments.

Perfect for: comedy lovers, uplifting stories of resilience and hope, finding humour in life’s challenges.

Sponsored by: Kusuma Trust

About this event: Award winning journalist and influencer Sophia Smith Galer explores the global crisis of disappearing languages and what is lost when words, traditions and cultures vanish. Travelling across continents, she meets communities fighting to preserve their linguistic heritage while examining the forces driving language extinction in the modern world. Join Sophia for a thought-provoking discussion on identity, migration, culture and the urgent efforts to protect the world's linguistic diversity before it is too late.

Perfect for: Language and history buffs, students of literature, cultural identity enthusiasts.

Hollywood Blackout offers a revisionist history of the Academy Awards, from 1927 to the present, via the lens of minorities and women who have been discriminated against over time. The presentation will show how their journey toward recognition has been driven less by Hollywood itself than by war, pandemic, murder and social media. Across the Academy’s first century, seismic events repeatedly collided with the film industry — from World War II to the murder of George Floyd — framing the context in which voters made decisions, while forcing them to confront the industry’s culture of exclusion. The presentation identifies the key turning points in that chronology, and traces how the world beyond Hollywood helped reshape the Oscars to recognise the deserving talents that would otherwise have been excluded. Along the way, the talk will profile many of the movies you know and love, alongside some of the industry’s biggest stars, from Merle Oberon to Michelle Yeoh; from Denzel Washington to Michael B. Jordan

Perfect for: film and cultural history enthusiasts and those interested in diversity, representation, and untold stories of minorities.

War is only a few clicks away on your smartphone. It is everywhere, available 24/7. Anyone can take part: by reposting an image or video, you help amplify stories of conflict across your network. But how do these images reach your device? What technologies enable their circulation? And how are these same technologies making it possible not only to join the media battle but also to participate directly in the fighting itself? In this talk, Dr Matthew Ford explains these themes and introduces you to his book War in the Smartphone Age. Blending military history, technology and current affairs, this thought-provoking discussion will reveal how the devices in our pockets have become powerful tools in the conflicts of the twenty-first century.

Perfect for: Anyone concerned with modern warfare and technology, global affairs and the impact of digital communications on contemporary conflict. 

Sponsored by: Kusuma Trust

About this event: acclaimed writer Jay Griffiths explores the remarkable ways animals enrich our lives, improve our wellbeing, and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Drawing on scientific research, history, Indigenous knowledge and inspiring real-life stories, she reveals the profound connections between humans and the animal kingdom. From the healing power of companionship to the lessons animals can teach us about community, empathy and resilience, this uplifting event offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with nature and the creatures we share it with.

Perfect for: Nature and animal lovers, wellbeing and the connection between humans and animals. 

Sponsored by: J. Safra Sarasin

About this event: Former diplomat Lord Peter Ricketts will tell the unknown story of the men and women of British diplomacy in WWII and how they played a vital part in ensuring victory. Showing remarkable courage, they evacuated civilians from occupied Europe, gathered vital intelligence and fought relentless battles of persuasion to keep neutral states like Franco's Spain out of the enemy camp, thereby avoiding the occupation of Gibraltar. The book profiles several remarkable women who worked successfully in dangerous conditions in the Arab world and Iran and thereby helped sweep away the barriers that kept women from senior roles. The Foreign Office also planned amid war to shape the future peace, drawing up the blueprints for the UN and NATO. The international order they built is now crumbing, and our leaders need to re-learn the capacity for strategic thinking and the resilience shown by that extraordinary generation.

Perfect for: History and British diplomacy enthusiasts, War stories and international relations.