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Poet, playwright and broadcaster Lemn Sissay will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Society of Author Awards, which returns for its first in-venue ceremony since 2019.
The annual awards celebrate the literary works from authors at all stages of their careers, including poetry, novels and short stories. Previous years have recognised the early works of authors including Mark Haddon, Seamus Heaney and Zadie Smith.
Sissay will reflect on themes of hope and connection, joining the night’s host Joanne Harris and a panel of judges. The winners of 12 prizes will be announced on the night, taking home a total prize fund of more than £100,000. Among the shortlistees this year are 2021 Commonwealth Short Story Prize-winner Kanya D’Almeida, New Yorker cartoonist Will McPhail and poet A K Blakemore.
“Exit anger, enter kindness. Exit isolation, enter book shops. Exit fear, enter imagination. Exit loss, enter hope. Exit pandemic, enter the Society of Authors’ awards ceremony,” Sissay said.
Bookings are now open for both in-venue and online tickets. In-venue tickets will be £20 for members and £25 for guests. Online attendance is free. The ceremony will take place at Southwark Cathedral on 1st June 2022 and be livestreamed.