Join English PEN, Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann, the Estate of Seamus Heaney, and the National Poetry Centre for an evening of readings and performances and the announcement of the winner of the PEN Heaney Prize 2026 at the Howard Assembly Room, Leeds.
Launched in 2024, the PEN Heaney Prize recognises a single volume of poetry, published in the UK or Ireland, of outstanding literary merit that engages with the impact of cultural or political events on human conditions or relationships. This year’s event will include the performance of new poetry with live musical accompaniment from local community group Speak Your Truth, inspired by the theme of the Prize.
The PEN Heaney Prize 2026 shortlist is:
- Egrets, While War by Tishani Doshi (Bloodaxe Books)
- Mer de Glace by Małgorzata Lebda translated by Mira Rosenthal (Fitzcarraldo Editions)
- Dwelling by Máighréad Medbh (Macha Press)
- plastic by Matthew Rice (Fitzcarraldo Editions)
- Pain Songs by Daniel Sluman (Nine Arches Press)
- October by Nur Turkmani (Hajar Press)
Through his essays, lectures, and addresses, Seamus Heaney became one of the most eloquent advocates for poetry and the role of the poet in public life. He understood the power of poetry to speak and respond to certain moments and experiences in the wider world, while always mindful that poetry must never lose “its fundamentally self-delighting inventiveness.” Open to writers of any nationality or geographical location, including those whose work has been translated into English, at any stage of their career, the prize recognises the diverse voices producing this kind of poetry. The winner, revealed live at the ceremony, will receive £5,000.
The PEN Heaney Prize 2026 has been judged by poets Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Vona Groarke and Stephen Sexton with Mick Heaney joining them as non-voting Chair and representing the Estate of Seamus Heaney.
The PEN Heaney Prize is delivered in partnership by English PEN, Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann, the Estate of Seamus Heaney and, this year, the National Poetry Centre. It is generously supported by Hawthornden Foundation.