A night with the Women's Prizes

Invited experts

Erica Wagner

Deputy Editor, Comment

Cariad Lloyd

Writer, actor, comedian and podcaster

Thangam Debbonaire

Chair, 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction judging panel

Lyse Doucet

Author

Jane Rogoyska

Rozie Kelly

Erica Wagner

Deputy Editor, Comment

Thangam Debbonaire

Chair, 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction judging panel

Jane Rogoyska

Cariad Lloyd

Writer, actor, comedian and podcaster

Lyse Doucet

Author

Rozie Kelly

Join us in The Observer newsroom for an unmissable evening of conversation with some of today’s most exciting literary voices. In partnership with the Women’s Prize Trust, which has been celebrating women writers since 1996, we’ll dive into the gripping stories, creative journeys and big ideas behind this year’s fiction and non-fiction shortlists, hearing directly from two of the judges, Thangam Debbonaire and Cariad Lloyd, and a selection of the shortlisted authors!

Hosted by The Observer's Erica Wagner, the event will explore novels that have captured our imaginations, and non-fiction books – from the deeply personal to the fiercely political – that have changed the way we think. Expect lively discussion, illuminating readings and candid insight into two prizes championing women’s voices across genres and generations.

With past winners like Maggie O’Farrell, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ali Smith, 2025’s debut sensation Yael van der Wouden (The Safekeep) and palliative care doctor and non-fiction trailblazer Rachel Clarke (The Story of a Heart), the Women's Prizes recognise the women who shape our reading lives. Join us for a night of literary discovery, reflection and inspiration.

Explore the shortlist for the 2026 Women's Prize for Fiction and, for a limited time, get all six books for only £50 with free delivery at observershop.co.uk.

https://observershop.co.uk/highlights/literary-prizes/the-womens-prize-for-fiction-2026/?utm_source=editoriallink&utm_medium=merch&utm_campaign=article