The Society of Authors’ Awards and Summer Party 2026

Join us on Thursday 18 June for the 2026 Society of Authors’ Awards and Summer Party as we celebrate this year’s winners, with support from the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS).

This year’s awards are a showcase of the written word across all genres and formats, celebrating novels, non-fiction, children’s books, short stories and poetry.

The winners will be announced on 18 June 2026 at an in-person ceremony at Southwark Cathedral, which will also be livestreamed. Sign up here if you prefer to join us online.

Read the full shortlist announcement here | Read the Keynote announcement here

Programme – Southwark Cathedral

• 6.30pm – Drinks reception for all guests
• 7pm – Welcome from Helen Epega
• 7.05pm – Keynote from Cerrie Burnell 
• 7.20pm – Photocall with all speakers and winners
• 7.30pm – 9pm – Summer Party in the nave and courtyard

SoA Awards 2026 Fundraising Bookshop

Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by this year’s SoA Awards shortlisted authors and judges. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund, giving authors support for travel, subsistence, childcare or access needs for events, residencies, and retreats.

Thank you to the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) for supporting the SoA Awards Ceremony

The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) is a not-for-profit organisation started by writers for the benefit of all types of writers. Owned by its members, ALCS collects money due for secondary uses of writers’ work. It is designed to support authors and their creativity, ensure they receive fair payment and see their rights are respected. It promotes and teaches the principles of copyright and campaigns for a fair deal. It represents over 100,000 members, and since 1977 has paid around £500 million to writers (alcs.co.uk).

Accessibility

• We will be providing live BSL interpretation by Sumayya Si-Tayeb.
• There will be live captioning by Natalie Bracken.
• Toilets:You can find one at the end of Lancelot’s Link on the ground floor and close to the Cathedral Shop. The toilets need a radar key which can be obtained from the stewards, welcomers, vergers or shop staff.
• Wheelchair Access: Step-free access is from the Millennium Courtyard off Montague Close. Access to the Cathedral is at the shop end of Lancelot’s Link, where there is a lift. Inside the Cathedral, the Nave is accessible for wheelchairs and there are temporary ramps into the South Transept and the Retrochoir. Access to the High Altar, Choir and Retrochoir is available via the Parish Door.
• Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome in the Cathedral and other areas. Water can be made available for them.
• If any of your access requirements will not be met by the above, please reply to this email, or contact events@societyofauthors.org.

Feeling unwell?

We recommend the following:

• Staying home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms
• Washing your hands when coming in from the outdoors and / or before touching your face
• Applying alcohol hand sanitiser (we will have these on site)
• We advise attendees to wear a face mask if they feel comfortable doing so

Booking

Please book your tickets via the registration forms below.

Please read our event booking Terms and Conditions: https://societyofauthors.org/legal-privacy/event-terms/

Tickets

£25 – SoA Members

£30 – SoA Guests (non-members)