Gibraltar Literary Festival

03/08/2025

🌍 A Front-Row Seat to History 🌍
Join João Vale de Almeida, former EU Ambassador to the US, UK, and UN, at the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival 2025 for an unmissable insight into global diplomacy at its most fragile.

In his compelling new book, The Divorce of Nations, he reflects on the first 1,000 days of Brexit, fifteen meetings with Putin, and pivotal moments from 9/11 to the financial crisis — offering a candid, behind-the-scenes account of a world order in flux.

With rare access, wit, and wisdom, João sheds light on the state of international relations, European identity, and the power struggles shaping our future.

📍 10–16 November 2025
📖 Tickets & info: gibraltarliteraryfestival.gi

02/08/2025

👑 From Buckingham Palace to the Rock 👑
Step into the world of royal etiquette, tradition, and untold stories as Grant Harrold, former royal butler to King Charles III, joins the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival 2025 in a special collaborative event with Seabourn.

In his acclaimed memoir, The Royal Butler, Grant shares a unique insider’s view of royal households — from afternoon teas to state occasions — blending humour, heart, and insight into a life lived in service of the Crown.

Join us this November as he explores the art of modern manners, royal protocol, and the path that took him from humble beginnings to the heart of the monarchy.

📍 10–16 November 2025
📖 Tickets & info: gibraltarliteraryfestival.gi

01/08/2025

Step beyond the screen and into the real story behind Downton Abbey with Lady Fiona Carnarvon, bestselling author and custodian of the iconic Highclere Castle. With wit, warmth, and a historian’s eye for detail, Lady Carnarvon brings to life the people, traditions, and secrets of one of Britain’s most storied estates. 🏰

From wartime tales and hidden libraries to festive feasts and the rhythms of daily life, discover the history that shaped a household—and the woman who continues to write its next chapter.🌟

01/08/2025

Latest coverage of our lineup on local radio & tv 📺 📢

Former Conservative MP and Chancellor, Sir Jeremy Hunt, is the latest headline act to be announced for the Literary Festival in November.

31/07/2025

📣 FINAL AUTHOR ANNOUNCEMENT 📣
Gibraltar Cultural Services is delighted to confirm our third headline speaker for the 2025 Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival: Sir Jeremy Hunt, former UK Chancellor and Foreign Secretary. In his new book Can We Be Great Again? he explores Britain’s global role post-Brexit. He’ll be in conversation with Chief Minister Fabian Picardo KC.

Also joining the stellar line-up:

🏰 Lady Fiona Carnarvon – Author of Lady Almina and A Year at Highclere, the real Downton Abbey, she shares intimate stories from aristocratic life at the iconic estate.

🧱 Carlo Greppi – Italian historian and author of A Man of Few Words, the true story of the bricklayer who saved Primo Levi in Auschwitz. A powerful voice on memory and human resilience.

🌍 Joao Vale De Almeida – Former EU Ambassador, his book The Divorce of Nations offers an insider’s view on Brexit, world diplomacy, and pivotal moments in global politics.

🪖 Prof. Janne Haaland & Prof. Rob Johnson – Experts on international relations, they explore NATO’s role in the Ukraine conflict and how it might shape the alliance’s future.

🎨 James Mayhew – Beloved illustrator of over 70 children’s books, including Ella Bella Ballerina, he’ll enchant young audiences with stories, music, and art in the Schools Programme.

🍊 Prof. Khalid Bekkaoui – With Necklace and Pomegranates, he brings late-Victorian Gibraltar to life in a rich tale of love, identity, and cultural heritage.

📻 Alice Mascarenhas MBE – Journalist and broadcaster, her new book Palabras al Viento honours her father Manolo Mascarenhas and his role in uplifting Gibraltar during the frontier closure era.

👑 Grant Harrold – Known as The Royal Butler, he shares an insider memoir of royal life, etiquette, and how a young royal enthusiast ended up working for the monarchy.

📅 Join us 10–16 November 2025 in Gibraltar! Tickets to be released soon.
📞 More info visit gibraltarliteraryfestival.gi

’sBooks

30/07/2025

📢 Our third and final announcement is just around the corner!

Get ready for 1 more headliner and 8 brilliant authors joining this year’s Gibraltar Literary Festival 🎉📚

Stay tuned on our socials and check out the full programme at www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.https://www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.gi

21/07/2025

🎭📺 Meet Dame Harriet Walter DBE – one of Britain’s most distinguished actresses, with a career spanning stage and screen. A Laurence Olivier Award winner and BAFTA TV nominee, Dame Harriet is known for standout roles in Succession, Killing Eve, Ted Lasso, Silo, and This Is Going to Hurt.

📖✨ She Speaks! gives voice to Shakespeare’s women with wit, depth, and emotional clarity.

20/07/2025

🌍📘 Meet Dr Paul Cooper - historian and creator of the Fall of Civilisations podcast, Dr brings gripping tales of rise and ruin to life.

🎧🏛️ From ancient empires to forgotten cities, his work uncovers the stories behind the fall of the world’s greatest civilisations.

18/07/2025

⚽📖 Meet Miguel Delaney - chief football writer for The Independent, reveals the truth behind the modern game in State of Play — a deep dive into how football became a global symbol of wealth and influence.

Essential reading for every football fan 🌎

17/07/2025

📚 Meet Valentine Low - royal correspondent and author of the Sunday Times bestseller Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown 👑

With decades of experience covering the royal family—including Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 1994 visit to Russia — brings a sharp insider perspective to the world behind palace doors 🏰

16/07/2025

🔍📝 Meet Janice Hallett - bestselling mystery author .hallett is known for her clever, twist-filled novels.

🕵️‍♀️📚She joins us with her latest releases The Examiner and The Killer Question — perfect for fans of puzzling plots and page-turning suspense.