Date: Friday 6 November 2026
Conference: 9am–5pm
Location: Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, Winter Gardens, Leopold Grove, Blackpool, FY1 1HL
Evening celebration: 7pm–midnight, Spanish Hall, Winter Gardens
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Blackpool’s Winter Gardens will host the Festival of Women on 6 November 2026, bringing together professionals, leaders, advocates and communities to examine the issues affecting women across Lancashire. Organised by Lancashire Women, the one-day conference will focus on women’s health, wealth and safety, placing their experiences at the centre of discussions about barriers, support and opportunities for change. The daytime programme will feature keynote speeches, workshops, expert-led panels, creative performances and exhibitors. A new report will also be launched, drawing on survey responses documenting the experiences and opinions of women across Lancashire. Its findings will inform discussion about local needs and how organisations and communities can respond.
Joeli Brearley MBE, Founder of Pregnant Then Screwed
Announced keynote speakers include Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, the charity campaigning against the employment and financial disadvantages associated with motherhood. She will be joined by Harriet Johnson, a barrister specialising in women’s rights, a founding member of Women in Criminal Law and former chair of Women in Prison.
Harriet Johnson – Founder member of Women in Criminal Law
Delegates will have a choice of workshops addressing the festival’s three central themes. Dr Ewa Craven, an NHS GP with more than 20 years’ experience and Lancashire’s first British Menopause Society accredited Menopause Specialist and BMS Trainer, will explore hormones, health and ageing. Yasmin Javed will draw on the death of her daughter, Fawziyah, to examine coercive control, honour-based abuse and campaigning for change. Fiona Drouet MBE, founder of EmilyTest, will discuss the charity’s Gender-Based Violence Charter and the role of educational institutions, professionals and communities in improving prevention and support.
Blackpool’s local experience will be represented by Tracy Hopkins, chief executive of Citizens Advice Blackpool, whose session will consider the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on women, including debt, housing pressures and financial insecurity. Teri Stephenson, chief executive of Age UK Lancashire, will explore isolation among women over 50 and its consequences for health and wellbeing.
Following the conference, the festival will continue with an evening celebration in the Spanish Hall, featuring a three-course dinner and live entertainment. The evening will recognise the contributions of women, organisations and communities working towards change across Lancashire. The festival is open to all, including charities, community groups, health and support professionals, business leaders, researchers and individuals wishing to contribute their experiences or learn more. TICKETS for the daytime conference, evening celebration or both are available through the Lancashire Women website.
