Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), on behalf of the Ministry for Culture, is pleased to announce the 2026 Youth Arts Jamboree programme, which will take place throughout the months of February and March. As in previous years the aim of the Jamboree is to offer insights and opportunities in the arts, whilst inspiring young people to get involved and promote the industry. This year’s programme will include tours of our Galleries and Street Art, cultural competitions, a Mayoral Open Day, World Book Day and other literary, music and dance celebrations as well as various interactive workshops.
New this year will be a Youth Saturday in Town, that will bring together many young performers as well as the popular GFA playmakers programme.
Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP said: “I am a firm supporter of any event that celebrates and promotes the arts, and especially, as in this case, aimed at inspiring young people to join in. I’m sure this year’s Jamboree programme will prove as popular as in previous years.”
For more information, please contact the GCS Development Unit on 20041839 or email development@culture.gov.gi
Here is the full programme of events and activities:
Christopher Lloyd Britannica Competition
Historian, author, and quizmaster, Christopher Lloyd will offer an interactive quiz for Gibraltar’s students aged between 8 and 14. The event will include different heats which will culminate in a Grand Final where students can win prize money both for themselves and their schools. Schools will be contacted with information soon.
Art Tours
GEMA Gallery the Modern Art facility at Montagu Bastion which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, warmly invites schools to explore its latest curation featuring International Art winners alongside other captivating works. This historic venue offers interactive activities that engage young minds. Additionally, students will have the chance to participate in specialised tours focusing on the Street Art located in Gibraltar’s city
centre, an initiative that aligns with the Government’s urban regeneration program. These tours will provide insights into the artistic inspiration and site-specific challenges, placing the art within the context of our urban landscape. Opportunities to visit the Library and the Mario Finlayson National Gallery are also included in the tour offerings.
Mayor’s City Hall Open Day
An opportunity for a meet and greet with His Worship the Mayor, Nicholas Guerrero and Deputy Mayor Andrea Simpson, alongside a visit to the historic City Hall. Here pupils will learn about the mayor’s civic role, the building, and its history, whilst also visiting the Mario Finlayson National Gallery. This Open day is organised directly with schools in Gibraltar.
World Book Day 2026
The John Mackintosh Hall will again host World Book Day activities, with celebrations on Thursday 5th March. The theme will be based on the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book by author Rick Riordan. School children will take part in movement and expression workshops, craft workshops and our storytelling sessions led by the John Mackintosh Hall Library volunteers. There will also be an interactive public storytelling session delivered by GAMPA. Tickets for this will be released shortly on Buytickets.gi. Various other initiatives to promote books, writing and literature will also be part of the week’s offering.
Light Painting Photography Workshop
Inspired by our World Book Day 2026 theme, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, this innovative photography workshop will teach you how to take creative photos using light. It will be held on the 24th February at the Fine Arts Gallery, 5pm-6:30pm. The workshop is an ideal opportunity for art and photography students, aged 12-18, to learn more about their passion and have a chance to express themselves creativity in a unique way. Tickets are available on Buytickets.gi
Teddy Repair Workshop
A fun, creative workshop which aims to fix any broken teddies or loved items. This will be held on Wednesday 18th February during midterm week, 11am-12:30pm at the Fine Arts Gallery. The session is open to children aged 6 plus, those under 10 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available on Buytickets.gi
Light & Sound Workshop
A Light and Sound Workshop delivered by experienced theatre technicians will explore the art and science of stage lighting and sound. Suitable for ages 14+, this is ideal for anyone interested in working in the creative performance industry. Tickets are available on Buytickets.gi.
Writing initiative Book Launch
Young writer Sheridan Povedano was selected as the successful writer for GCS’ young writing initiative in 2025. Now a year later Sheridan’s will be self-publishing a collection of poems in a book. Sheridan’s work is the culmination of a year of engaging with the local literary scene and related opportunities, whilst being mentored by established writers and poets. Sheridan, who describes herself as a poet, writer, and essayist is an English graduate who often engages critically with Gibraltarian culture and history. Her book will shortly be available for purchase at BOOKgem.
Yanito Community Project
GCS is excited to announce a new initiative which aims to celebrate, promote, and preserve Gibraltar’s unique bilingual language Yanito. This competition invites individuals, groups and organisations to develop artistic and cultural projects that embrace and highlight Yanito. GCS will support the selected project(s) and help bring it to fruition. More details announced soon.
Youth Saturday – 21st February 2026
A Youth Saturday will feature an exciting lineup of entertainment across Main Street and Casemates Square. The programme will include performances by DJ Nihal, Waves, GAMPA, the 1st / 4th Scouts Band and the young members of the Musicians Association of Gibraltar.
Additionally, the Playmakers, organised by the Gibraltar Football Association, will aim to deliver a fun and safe introduction to learning about football for young girls through the magic of Disney storytelling. GFA Playmakers will be part of the Youth Arts Jamboree at Casemates with the story of The Incredibles.
Gibraltar Festival for Young Musicians
The annual festival will take place from the 1st to the 7th of February. The categories of classes include piano, brass, woodwind, percussion, vocal and strings and an exciting “Pop and Rock” category. There are competitive sections in every category where trophies and medals can be won. Classes will be divided into Infant, Junior, Intermediate and Senior categories and you can enter solos, duets, ensembles or choirs. To learn more email info@gampa.gi.
Gibraltar International Dance Festival
The annual competition now in its 24th year, will take place at the John Mackintosh Hall Theatre from the 3rd March to the 7th March. The festival will showcase performances in a variety of dance styles across different age categories with prizes awarded. Tickets will be available on buytickets.gi as from Monday 23rd February 2026. For further information please contact email: gidf02@gmail.com.
The Sovereign Young Artist Competition
The competition sees some changes this year and will run in collaboration with the Sovereign Trust. It is open to Gibraltarians and residents of Gibraltar attending school in years 9 to 13 (or College equivalent), as well as young Gibraltarian artists aged up to 24 years old. The finalist’s exhibition will be hosted at the Gustavo Bacarisas Gallery, Casemates from 18th to the 27th March. Full details on entry can be found at Culture.gi. There are various awards including the Ministry of Culture Award of £1,000.
Other arts related workshops and sessions will also be delivered in conjunction with the Gibraltar Youth Service and the Scouts and Guides Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Photographic Society is once again supporting and will be delivering photographic sessions to interested groups.