The Great British Festival 2026 brought together culture, commerce, and education in a two-day celebration marking 80 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, drawing participation from over 26 companies and institutions and underscoring the strength of bilateral ties.
Organized by the British Embassy Manila, British Council Philippines, and the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP), with THEPHILBIZNEWS as media partner, the festival was held from January 31 to February 1 and featured a mix of performances, business showcases, and cultural activities.
Participating firms included PruLife UK, VFS, HSBC, BPI, Shell, Union Jack Tavern, David’s Salon, MINI (Autohub Group), Lotus (Autohub Group), Triumph (Autohub Group), Jaguar/JLR, Cargo Fish, Robinsons Marketplace, Yummy Organics Food Products, Nutrigen, Don Revy Philippines, Mamas & Papas, Sainsbury’s, Exceed, CTC Group Philippines, Pina Beauty + Pamme, Chevening, AUG, AECC, StudyIn, and IDP.
The event’s return this year served as a centerpiece activity commemorating eight decades of formal relations between the two countries, highlighting their deepening economic partnership and longstanding cultural connections.
Visitors experienced live performances, film screenings, pub quizzes, and fireside chats, alongside exhibits on education, innovation, and opportunities to sample British goods and delicacies.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson emphasized the broader significance of the festival beyond the weekend celebration.
“We always look forward to hosting events like this together with the British Embassy and the British Council. This only shows how the UK-Philippine relations continue to grow – marking its 80th year, in all areas including trade, education, and culture and the arts. From the Chamber’s perspective, this only shows that the business community remains vibrant and we are optimistic that it will continue to increase in the coming years,” Nelson said.
The festival also highlighted the economic dimension of the partnership. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and the Philippines reached £3.0 billion in the four quarters ending Q2 2025, reflecting steady commercial engagement and mutual market interest.
At an economic forum held alongside the festival, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for the International Trade Group Atty. Allan B. Gepty underscored the Philippines’ commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable trade environment for global partners, including the UK.
“In the context of the Philippines trade policy and our economic relations with foreign partners, we want to convey and emphasize the Philippines has a consistent, credible and forward-looking policy direction. This direction is anchored in long-term development planning reinforced by our openness to trade and investment and complemented by two enduring strengths like our people, and our place in the global economy and security architecture,” Gepty said.
Beyond the figures, organizers framed the festival as a reflection of the evolving UK-Philippines relationship — one that now spans not only trade and investment, but also education exchanges, cultural collaboration, and innovation partnerships.
With strong participation from both British and Filipino companies, the event served as a reminder that the 80-year diplomatic milestone is not just a commemoration of the past, but a platform for future cooperation.