Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize 2026 - A Shortlist Celebration

The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize – the world’s largest literary award for young writers – is hosting ‘A Shortlist Celebration’ on the eve of International Dylan Thomas Day and this year’s winner announcement.This very special evening of celebration will be opened by Dr Elaine Canning, Director of the Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize, and will feature a live appearance by Côr Y Boro – Borough Welsh Choir.The King’s Library stage will then welcome the six authors in contention for this year’s award: Harriet Armstrong (To Rest Our Minds and Bodies), Colwill Brown (We Pretty Pieces of Flesh), Sasha Debevec-McKenney (Joy Is My Middle Name), Suzannah V.

Evans (Under the Blue), Seán Hewitt (Open, Heaven) and Derek Owusu (Borderline Fiction).These exceptionally talented writers will be reading from their shortlisted books, and join award-winning Nigerian British author and Chair of the Judging Panel, Irenosen Okojie, MBE.Worth £20,000, this global accolade recognises exceptional literary talent aged 39 or under, celebrating the international world of fiction in all its forms including poetry, novels, short stories and drama.

The prize is named after the Swansea-born writer Dylan Thomas and celebrates his 39 years of creativity and productivity.

The prize invokes his memory to support the writers of today, nurture the talents of tomorrow, and celebrate international literary excellence.

Previous winners have included Patricia Lockwood, Raven Leilani, Caleb Azumah Nelson and Max Porter.The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize winner will be announced on International Dylan Thomas Day (14 May) at an evening ceremony in Swansea.