This is the 17th edition of the prestigious Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize. 

This two-part event opens with a panel discussion on change and activism within the publishing industry, including questions on the impact of AI, freedom of speech, writers’ rights, the current translation boom, and more. Titled ‘Publishing Against Power’ and chaired by Wasafiri Associate Editor, So Mayer, the panel features writer and interdisciplinary artist, Tice Cin, English PEN’s Head of Literature Programmes, Will Forrester, and artist, researcher, and producer, Heather Marks.

This discussion is followed by readings by writers from the Wasafiri community – Farah Ahamed, Gaël Le Cornec, and Cara Thompson – each representing the three strands of the prize: Fiction, Life Writing, and Poetry respectively.

The evening culminates with the announcement of the 2026 winners and a prize-giving by the judging panel; Chair Ellah Wakatama, Santanu Bhattacharya, Jen Calleja, and Mona Kareem. Copies of a range of Wasafiri issues will be available for sale. 

This event is part of the Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival. 

When: Saturday, 31 October, 5-8pm (doors open 4.45pm)
Where: Weston Roof Pavilion, Southbank Centre, London
Tickets: Full price tickets from £18 + booking fee. A limited number of concession tickets are available.

wasafiri.org/news-and-events/the-2026-queen-mary-wasafiri-new-writing-prize-ceremony