I was delighted to be invited to attend the 2026 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize Ceremony, one of Wales’s most celebrated literary evenings. With six remarkable shortlisted authors in the running for the prestigious £20,000 award, I couldn’t wait to see which extraordinary author would be crowned this year’s winner.
Photo by Matthew Horwood
The event was held in the Great Hall at Swansea University’s Bay Campus, a beautiful setting overlooking Swansea Bay on a clear May evening. As I entered, I was warmly greeted and directed into the pre-ceremony reception where drinks and canapés were served through mingling crowds. Held on International Dylan Thomas Day, 14th May, this year’s ceremony marked two decades since the prize was established in 2006. Honouring Dylan Thomas’ 39 years of literary creativity, the prize is open to writers aged 39 and under. This prestigious prize includes a £20,000 award plus significant recognition of exceptional international talent across fiction, poetry, short stories and drama.
Dr Alan Bilton, author of four novels and Course Director for Creative Writing at Swansea University, opened the evening alongside a slideshow of previous winners spanning all twenty years of the award. He then invited Paul Boyle, Vice Chancellor of Swansea University, and Elaine Canning to give their tribute to the late Professor Peter Stead, to whom this year’s ceremony was dedicated. A Swansea University alumnus, later staff member, and Founder and President of the Dylan Thomas Prize, Peter Stead was remembered by Vice-Chancellor Paul Boyle as “a proud fellow and true friend.”
Photo by Matthew Horwood
Elaine Canning echoed Paul Boyle’s tender recognition, recalling how Peter Stead’s “enthusiasm was infectious” and promising to celebrate in his honour. Bringing the tribute to a close, Paul Boyle turned to Dylan Thomas’ famous words: “A good poem is a contribution to reality. The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it”.
The Chair of Judges, Irenosen Okojie MBE, then stepped up to the podium to introduce the six shortlisted authors and their works: To Rest Our Minds and Bodies by Harriet Armstrong (novel), We Pretty Pieces of Flesh by Colwill Brown (novel), Joy is My Middle Name by Sasha Debevec-McKenney (poetry), Under the Blue by Suzannah V. Evans (poetry), Open, Heaven by Seán Hewitt (novel) and Borderline Fiction by Derek Owusu (novel).
Following her introduction, a video played of the nominees speaking about what the nomination meant to them. Colwill Brown said how the nomination was a “sign from the world that you’re on the right track” and Suzannah Evans said it was a “true honour and vote of confidence.” Irenosen Okojie captured the spirit of the shortlist, describing the works as “a marvellous, galvanising shortlist…propulsive reads that imbue the writing space with new energies.”
Elaine Canning, Executive Officer and Director of the Dylan Thomas Prize, returned to the stage to speak about the Dylan ED programme. This initiative runs across Wales, introducing young people to the world of literature and encouraging the development of creative writing skills. Partnered with local authorities, schools and colleges, pupils participated in the Dylan ED book review competition by reviewing the books shortlisted. The nine winners from Gower College, Y Pant Comprehensive School, Llangatwg Community School, Neath Port Talbot College and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe were invited to the stage to receive their awards.
Photo by Matthew Horwood
Irenosen Okojie returned to the stage to announce this year’s Dylan Thomas Prize winner: Sasha Debevec-McKenney, for her poetry collection Joy is My Middle Name. Clearly moved, Sasha thanked the judges, her supporters, and her father, who was watching via livestream from America. The audience responded with a well-deserved standing ovation.
Photo by Matthew Horwood
Guests filtered out into the gallery for the reception, with drinks circulating and signed copies of the six shortlisted books available to buy. Having heard such glowing praise throughout the evening, I felt compelled to pick up a copy of Sasha’s poetry.
Photo by Matthew Horwood
The evening drew to a close with a scenic view over the Bay Campus. I felt hugely privileged to be present at such a monumental prize evening, witnessing the enduring legacy of Dylan Thomas and Wales’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating world-class literature.
