Women’s Prize LIVE

Women’s Prize LIVE is back! This summer, take part in the greatest celebration of women’s creativity at this unmissable day festival for booklovers in London, brought to you by the Women’s Prize Trust.

For the first time, we are offering a day pass to an incredible line-up of events, including your favourite authors in conversation, inspiring panel discussions, book clubs led by special guests, and workshops to spark your creativity.

Date: Tuesday 13 June 2023

Location: Bedford Square Gardens, London, WC1B 5BL

Gates open: 12pm – 9pm

Day pass: £95 general admission, £70 concessions (student, 65+)

 Joining us on the day to share their love of books are phenomenal speakers, including Naomi Alderman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Vick Hope, Nadiya Hussain, Louise Minchin, Kate Mosse, Alex Scott, Elif Shafak, and the six authors shortlisted for the 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction – with more names and the full programme to be revealed! 

Plus, there will be a host of activities to get involved in throughout the day: get creative at writing workshops, book a slot at 1-2-1 expert coaching sessions, meet your favourite authors at book-signing stations – and bask in the beautiful gardens with fellow booklovers and writers, all while enjoying delicious food and drink from our bars. 

Round up your friends, book the day off, and start looking forward to an unforgettable day out this summer!  

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR DAY PASS?

•  Access to the beautiful gated gardens in Bloomsbury, steeped in London’s literary past, from 12pm – 9pm

•  Entry to the main programme of Women’s Prize LIVE events, including live Bookshelfie podcast recordings, panel discussions, book club and the evening Shortlist Readings. Certain events – including the writing workshops – require the purchase of an additional ticket. 

• A goody bag to take home filled with bookish treats

•  Meet the speakers at the Waterstones bookshop and signing station

• The opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow booklovers and writers

• Access to the Women’s Prize gift shop and pop-up bars with delicious food and drink provided by Jikoni and Jim & Tonic

The full line-up and event details are now available to view here. Please note that standalone tickets for the evening WPF Shortlist Readings are available to purchase separately here. 

SPECIAL EVENT ADD-ONS

Writing Mistressclass with Cathy Rentzenbrink 

Find inspiration in the everyday and draw from your own life to shape your story in this one-of-a-kind writing workshop led by bestselling author Cathy Rentzenbrink. Through interactive and engaging exercises, learn how to apply your real-life experiences to your work-in-progress and develop a writing practice that will enrich your life. Writers of all levels are welcome. Limited spaces available. 1 hour 30 minute workshop – ticket includes a Women’s Prize journal worth £15. See below for ticket bundle offer.

1:1 sessions with publishing industry experts 

Curious about what an agent does? Want a reading recommendation from those in the know? Looking for tips on how to start writing, or perhaps you want to elevate your elevator pitch? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to put your questions about writing, publishing and all things books to our friendly industry experts, from agents and writing coaches to marketing and publicity specialists. Visit our website for details on how to book your session for an extra £10. 

Writing Mistressclass with Elif Shafak and Kate Mosse (SOLD OUT)

Get more out of your Women’s Prize Live experience with an intimate, interactive writing workshop led by Women’s Prize shortlisted author Elif Shafak and bestselling author and Founder Director of the Women’s Prize Kate Mosse. Limited spaces available; 1 hour 30-minute workshop; ticket includes a Women’s Prize journal. See below for ticket bundle offer.

TICKETS

Day pass: £95

Day pass Concessions (Student, 65+): £70

Bundles:

• Day pass + 1 Mistressclass: £150 for Mistressclass + £50 day-pass

Full programme of events:

12 – 1pm: Women’s Prize Bookshelfie Podcast with Nadiya Hussain and Vick Hope (Woolf tent)

12.30 – 2pm: Writing Mistressclass with Cathy Rentzenbrink (Ticket add-on required) (Morrison tent)

1 – 2pm: Non-fiction must-reads: Anita Anand, Suzannah Lipscomb and Nicola Rollock, chaired by Kate Mosse (Brontë tent)

1 – 2pm: Women’s Prize Bookshelfie Podcast with Alex Scott and Vick Hope (Woolf tent)

2.20 – 3.20pm: Happy High Status: Unlocking Confidence with Viv Groskop (Brontë tent)

3 – 4.30pm: Writing Mistressclass with Kate Mosse & Elif Shafak (Ticket add-on: SOLD OUT) (Morrison tent)

3 – 4pm: The Power Book Club with Naomi Alderman and guests including Irenosen Okojie and Sam Baker (Woolf tent)

3.40 – 4.20pm: Comfort and Joy: Ravinder Bhogal in conversation with Anita Anand (Brontë tent)

4.40 – 5.40pm: Good Housekeeping x Hodder New Voices: Kaliane Bradley, Vanessa Chan and Jessica George, chaired by Joanne Finney (Brontë tent)

5 – 6pm: Women’s Prize Bookshelfie x Changes Podcast collaboration with Elizabeth Gilbert and Annie Macmanus (Woolf tent)

7 – 8.30pm: 2023 Women’s Prize for Fiction Shortlist Readings with Louise Minchin, featuring Jacqueline Crooks, Louise Kennedy, Barbara Kingsolver, Priscilla Morris, Maggie O’Farrell and Laline Paull (Woolf tent)

Each event will be followed by a signing at the Waterstones tent

Due to unforeseen circumstances Anita Rani will no longer be able to speak at the Women’s Prize LIVE day festival. Ravinder Bhogal will now be in conversation with journalist and author Anita Anand.

The Women’s Prize Trust’s mission is to change the world through books by women, opening up pathways into reading and writing for the storytellers and booklovers of tomorrow. When booking your Women’s Prize LIVE ticket, you’ll be invited to add a £5, £10 or £20 donation to your ticket. Every donation contributes towards our work with underrepresented writers and readers from disadvantaged backgrounds

Please see our full terms and conditions here.