May 11 – Literary Festival Royal Patronage Marked In London Reception
A reception was held this evening in London to mark the patronage by Princess Anne of the Gibraltar International Literary Festival.
The Fishmongers’ Hall - a grand historical building which overlooks the Thames - hosted the Chief Minister, former governors, event sponsors, authors and friends of Gibraltar.
The festival was established four years ago and has invited historians, novelists and other writers to the Rock to discuss their work and interact with readers. The annual event’s main sponsor is Gibunco.
The Princess Royal, in a short address, said it was a privilege to be a part of this “very innovative, imaginative festival.”
Princess Anne spoke of Gibraltar’s role in history and of her visit there in 2009 when she saw the then recently discovered ‘Stay Behind Cave.’
She said the Literary Festival acted as a “huge attraction” to all those who loved literature praising the Rock for its “extraordinary tolerance and understanding.”
Mr Picardo said that Gibraltar was “truly honoured” by the Princess Royal’s acceptance of the patronage of the Literary Festival.
He said: “The establishment of the Festival is a proud achievement of my Government and one which I know many in Gibraltar and beyond now look forward to every year.”
The Chief Minister also highlighted the broadening appeal of the Festival which now includes events for schoolchildren.
“Now the Literary Festival also reaches young people in our schools, all of whom I envy the interaction with authors who bring their works to life for them and share a deep understanding of the written word,” he said.
He added that Gibraltar’s people were a prime example of inter-ethnic respect and tolerance and remained devoted to the Queen: “Setting an example to the world as a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-faceted Mediterranean hub. And above all resolutely British forever and unflinchingly loyal to the Crown.”
Sovereign Special Edition Presentation
The Chief Minister also presented a special edition of five sovereigns, of which there will only be ninety struck in solid gold. The gift is intended for Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her 90th Birthday.
Minister Sacramento: Patronage Is An Honour
Speaking to YGTV at the event, Samantha Sacramento who, as Minister for Tourism, is responsible for delivering the Festival, said: “This demonstrates that the Festival, although it has always been successful, is improving and maturing year on year.”
Ms Sacramento says that each year sees her team building on previous editions while taking on board suggestions to enhance the Festival experience.
One change this year, she said, is that speakers will be announced “very shortly”, sooner, in fact, than other years.
“This is enjoyed by people locally but it’s also part of our events-led tourism strategy so we’re now very focused on the marketing of the Festival abroad,” she added.
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