Black and white photograph of an audience of adults, the words British Library are stamped vertically in white in the centre of the image

The Dylan Thomas Prize

Celebrating the Dylan Thomas Prize 2025

About The Dylan Thomas Prize

Black and white photograph of an audience of adults, the words British Library are stamped vertically in white in the centre of the image

Join us on International Dylan Thomas Day as we celebrate 20 years of the Dylan Thomas Prize with the six sensational writers on the 2025 shortlist. An evening sparkling with readings and conversations with some of the hottest young writers from across the world. 

The Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize is the world’s largest and most prestigious literary prize for young writers. It 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 shortlist has now been announced, and the winner will be selected from one of brilliant these writers: 

  • Yael van der Wouden, The Safekeep (Viking, Penguin Random House UK)
  • Rebecca Watson, I Will Crash (Faber & Faber)
  • Seán Hewitt, Rapture's Road (Jonathon Cape, (Vintage, Penguin Random House))
  • Ferdia Lennon, Glorious Exploits (Fig Tree, Penguin Random House)
  • Eley Williams, Moderate to Poor, Occasionally Good (4th Estate)
  • Yasmin Zaher, The Coin (Footnote Press)

Your support

The British Library is a charity. Your support helps us open up a world of knowledge and inspiration for everyone. Please consider adding a donation to your basket.

Attending your event

This is an in-person only event in the British Library Knowledge Centre. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the start time of this event.  If you have specific access requirements please email customer@bl.uk

Concessions

There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for British Library Members, half-price tickets for students and under 26s, free entry for carers as well as a number of other concessions.

Dates and times