Gibraltar Cultural Services, on behalf of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, is delighted to confirm a new website and the first list of authors for the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival 2025. Politics, history, monarchy, crime, family dynamics, sports, music, memoirs, and art, are just some of the genres that will feature in this year’s flagship event.

Smarter, sleeker, and easier to navigate, The Gibraltar Literary Festival now launches its brand-new website at www.gibraltarliteraryfestival.gi. The redesigned platform serves as a central hub of information for all things festival-related, offering streamlined access to event schedules, speaker profiles, ticket bookings, and exclusive literary features. Visitors can also discover more about Gibraltar itself, with features that highlight the rich culture, history, and charm of the festival’s unique setting.

Our first headline speaker is renowned dancer, choreographer and actor Wayne Sleep OBE, who has danced with ballet legends Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, partied with Freddie Mercury, and performed with Princess Diana, becoming a close friend of hers. Famed also for originating the iconic role of Mr Mistoffelees in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original musical CATS, Wayne will speak about how, behind the visible glitz and glamour, he always felt like an outsider and reveals the difficulties for a working-class, gay man in handling the prejudices of his generation and living through the Aids epidemic. Wayne was also the shortest principal dancer to ever get into the Royal Ballet. He will recount how he had to spin twice as fast and jump twice as high to succeed. His memoir will be moving, captivating and also laugh-out-loud and full of gossip.  Wayne Sleep will explain how he danced his way to success, fulfilment, and love, overcoming obstacles and prejudice along the way.

GCS is also excited to confirm another twelve authors for this year’s Festival:

• Katherine Carter is a widely sought adviser on the life and legacy of Sir Winston Churchill and brings her latest book ‘Churchill’s Citadel – Chartwell and the Gathering’s Before the Storm’. This fascinating account will show how meetings in Churchill’s country home, strengthened his fight against the Nazis.
• Therapist and author Sally Baker will be speaking on health and wellbeing ‘The Getting of Resilience from the Inside Out’. Sally delves into strategies for developing resilience from within.
• Author, journalist, radio and TV presenter, John Suchet OBE, brings ‘The Man Revealed’ his latest and most personal book dedicated to the life of the extraordinary composer Beethoven.
• Stand Up Comedian and author Ian Moore presents his latest publication ‘Death in Le Jardin’ and other cosy mysteries.
• Journalist and Broadcaster, Jenny Kleeman will be in conversation with James Neish (GBC CEO) on her latest book ‘The Price of Life’. In search of what we are worth and who decides.
• Psychologist and writer Terri Apter will speak on her books on family dynamics, identity and relationships which have received international acclaim, including her new book ‘Grandparenting’.
• ‘An Audience With’ Christian Hook on his new series ‘Electronic Paintings’ as recently featured at the London’s National Portrait Gallery. An in-depth conversation with Hook and special guests.
• Sunday Times best seller Mannie Coe returns to Gibraltar to speak about his latest book, namely recovery and healing from abuse and trauma.
• Ambassador for Alzheimer’s UK, Scott Mitchell, will speak on his book ‘By Your Side’ detailing his life with his late wife Dame Barbara Windsor, as he raises awareness and funds for research.
• Crime writer Thomas Hindle specialising in writing whodunits. Inspired by masters of the crime genre, from Agatha Christie to Anthony Horowitz, his latest book, ‘Murder on Lake Garda’ will feature in this year’s festival.
• Founder of UNILAD and LAD Bible, Alex Partridge is an ADHD activist, podcast host and bestselling author of ‘Now it all Makes Sense: How an ADHD Diagnosis Brought Clarity to My Life’. His publication reframes neurodiversity, highlighting the strengths that come from having a brain that works differently, and how it can make you a better parent, partner, and entrepreneur.
• Freelance sports journalist and winner of the Tom Perrotta Prize, Molly McElwee will present her publication ‘Building Champions’. Molly spent more than five years as a sportswriter for the Daily Telegraph, with a key focus on women’s sports and tennis.

Minister for Culture and Tourism, The Hon. Christan Santos GMD MP said:

“The Gibraltar Literary Festival continues to elevate our cultural calendar and shine a spotlight on Gibraltar as a dynamic destination for ideas, creativity and conversation. This year’s newly launched website makes it easier than ever to access the festival’s rich offering, and I am proud to see such a diverse and engaging programme take shape. From thought-provoking discussions to inspirational stories, the 2025 Festival promises to be an exceptional celebration of literature and the arts.”

The Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival will take place from the 10^th to 16^th November 2025. For further information please contact the Festival Director on telephone: 20047309 or email: info@culture.gi