The Government of Gibraltar's Ministry of Culture confirmed on 10 August 2012, that the inaugural event would be held on 8 September 2012 at Victoria Stadium.

The first festival had a British artist, Jessie J, as headlining act.

The rest of the line-up consisted of Ali Campbell from UB40, and local bands Noiz and Jetstream.

[5] The Government of Gibraltar decided in 2017 to partner with MTV UK to run the festival and renamed it to MTV Presents Gibraltar Calling.

[6] Following the sale of Victoria Stadium to the Gibraltar Football Association, the future of the festival at its current venue was cast into doubt.