Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival Schools Programme Announced
Gibraltar Cultural Services on behalf of the Ministries of Tourism and Culture, is delighted to announce the 2026 Schools Programme for the Gibunco Gibraltar International Literary Festival.
Sponsored by the John Mackintosh Hall Educational Trust, this year’s events bring together another inspiring line-up of international and locals authors, offering workshops and talks with the aim of inspiring young people. Students of all ages will have the opportunity to engage with literature, storytelling, history, creativity and personal experiences that inform the writing process.
International Authors
Bestselling historian and educational author Christopher Lloyd will take students on a fascinating journey through Gibraltar's history using The Story of Gibraltar, a visually stunning timeline featuring 100 key moments from the Rock's past. Presented in a dynamic theatre-style session, Christopher will bring history to life through storytelling, illustrations and engaging historical discoveries, helping students explore Gibraltar's rich heritage.
Fresh from winning the 2026 Carnegie Medal for Writing and the Shadowers' Choice Award, Beth O'Brien brings a powerful and imaginative retelling of Little Red Riding Hood to Gibraltar's young readers. Through Wolf Siren, Beth explores themes of identity, courage and disability representation while introducing students to a richly imagined fantasy world. Her sessions will encourage discussion about storytelling, inclusion and finding strength in what makes us different.
Prize-winning biographer and historian Anne Sebba will share the remarkable true story behind The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz. Through moving accounts of resilience, survival and courage during one of history's darkest periods, pupils will gain insight into the human experiences behind World War II and the importance of remembering and preserving these stories for future generations.
John Suchet OBE, broadcaster, journalist and acclaimed Beethoven expert, offers a unique blend of biography, personal memoir and musical history. Drawing on his distinguished career and lifelong passion for Beethoven, John will introduce pupils to one of history's greatest composers while demonstrating how music can inspire, comfort and transform lives across generations.
Former captain of the Afghanistan Women's National Football Team, Khalida Popal is an internationally recognised advocate for women's rights and refugee empowerment. In her memoir, My Beautiful Sisters, she shares a remarkable story of courage, resilience and leadership, from growing up under Taliban rule to helping evacuate members of the Afghan women's football team to safety. Her inspiring session highlights the power of teamwork, determination and hope in overcoming extraordinary challenges.
Bestselling author Joanne Harris OBE, renowned for weaving magic, folklore and imagination into her work, brings pupils into the haunting world of Sleepers in the Snow. Her session will explore the craft of storytelling, creating atmosphere and suspense, and how writers draw upon memory, mythology and place to create unforgettable fictional worlds.
Known internationally for her role on The Great British Bake Off, Dame Prue Leith DBE has enjoyed an extraordinary career spanning food, business, broadcasting and writing. With honesty, warmth and humour, she will share insights from her latest bestselling book, encouraging pupils to embrace lifelong learning, resilience, creativity and the value of pursuing a wide range of interests throughout life.
Consultant neuropsychiatrist Dr Alastair Santhouse explores how our understanding of mental health has changed in recent years. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and his book No More Normal, his thought-provoking session encourages reflection on mental health, resilience and the complexities of everyday human experience.
Local Authors
The festival is equally proud to showcase the talents of Gibraltar’s own writers, each bringing their personal stories and perspectives to the classroom.
· Karim Vatvani brings Gibraltar's rich history to life through a gripping mystery The Missing Chime set on the Rock. Pupils will discover how real events, local legends and familiar landmarks can inspire fiction, while learning how writers research and transform historical facts into exciting stories.
· Christina Marie Giuffré will speak about kindness, belonging and neurodiversity through her Dear Friend series. Drawing on her personal experiences with autism and ADHD, Christina offers a thoughtful and engaging session that promotes understanding, resilience and self-acceptance amongst young people.
· Richard Garcia MBE invites pupils to explore Gibraltar's wartime history through Useless Mouths. His talks provide a compelling look at the civilian experience during the lead-up to and early years of World War II, helping pupils connect with significant moments from Gibraltar's past.
· Karl Ullger examines how great works of art continue to inspire contemporary creativity. Through Echoes of Legacy, pupils will explore artistic influence, interpretation and visual storytelling while gaining insight into the creative process behind his celebrated body of work.
· Natalie Rolling’s Princess Penelope’s Problem introduces younger readers to important lessons about respect, responsibility and empathy. Through interactive storytelling and creative activities, Natalie demonstrates how everyday experiences can become exciting stories and encourages children to develop confidence in their own imaginations.
· Karen Truman joins the Schools Programme with Mama's Treasure Chest. Through the story of Aurora and Charlie, this engaging and age-appropriate session helps children understand what dementia is and how it can affect families.
· Shane Dalmedo introduces young learners to one of Gibraltar's most celebrated artists Gustavo Bacarisas. Combining storytelling, art and interactive discussion, Shane's sessions inspire creativity while offering children a fascinating introduction to Gibraltar's artistic heritage.
The Gibraltar International Literary Festival Schools Programme continues its commitment to connect young people with authors, thinkers and creatives from Gibraltar and beyond, fostering a lifelong love of reading, writing, creativity and learning. Through these engaging sessions, pupils will discover the power of stories to inform, inspire and transform.
The Minister for Tourism and Culture, The Hon Christian Santos GMD MP said: "This year’s schools line-up promises to spark imagination and creativity to Gibraltar’s young minds. The authors contributing to the programme will ensure the festival continues to nurture a love of literature and to inspire the next generation of readers and storytellers.
"I wish to thank the authors and organisers, and also The John Mackintosh Educational Trust for their continued support of this programme.”
For further information please contact the Development team at development@culture.gov.gi