Event 97

Thangam Debbonaire and Julia Gillard

The Women’s Prizes 2026

 – Discovery Stage

Join the chairs of the 2026 Women’s Prizes for Fiction and Non-Fiction as they discuss the remarkable books recognised by this year’s prizes. Thangam Debbonaire is a politician, cultural strategist and CEO of UK Opera Association. Julia Gillard is the former Prime Minister of Australia, and a women’s rights campaigner. Claire Shanahan, executive director of the Women’s Prize Trust, will introduce the discussion.

The Women’s Prize Trust is the charity behind the Women’s Prize for Fiction, the largest celebration of female creativity in the world, and the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, which recognises brilliant writing by female thought-leaders, changemakers and experts.

Price: £16.00

Booking is now open to Hay Festival Membership+ and Circle members. Please sign in to access your account or become a member to book now.

Booking for all other Members opens at 12pm on Wednesday 11 March.

General booking opens at 12pm on Saturday 14 March.