Gibraltar has been represented in Oxford as part of the partnership between the Oxford Literary Festival and Gibraltar’s International Literary Festival. The Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, represented Gibraltar accompanied by April Smart-Devincenzi, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, and Davina Barbara, Head of Development at Gibraltar Cultural Services.
The 2026 Oxford Festival, celebrating its 30 years, hosted the Gibraltar Lecture, where Minister Santos interviewed comedian and author Alison Larkin on her latest book ‘Grief: A Comedy’. Larkin is an award-winning comedian and producer who has headlined at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles for three years and has acted on and off Broadway. She is also author of ‘The English American’, an autobiographical novel about an adopted English woman who finds her birth parents in the USA.

The thought-provoking discussion, which was both emotional and entertaining, explored how the author has navigated life's challenges. The synergy between the Minister and Alison Larkin created a truly engaging experience, leaving the audience with valuable insights.

Speaking after the event, Minister Santos said: "I am really pleased to have had the opportunity to personally take part in the Gibraltar Lecture, and it has been a privilege to interview Alison Larkin. Her warmth, creativity and talent came through in our conversation. The continued partnership between the Gibraltar Literary Festival and the prestigious Oxford Festival shows our commitment to nurturing and promoting literature, culture and creativity in Gibraltar and beyond.”