‘An inspirational day’ - Crowds gather in Blackpool for Festival of Women 2026 at Winter Gardens

More than 250 delegates from across Lancashire gathered at Blackpool's Winter Gardens for the Festival of Women 2026, a major conference exploring the challenges facing women in areas including health, wealth and safety.

Held on Friday, November 6, the one-day event brought together decision-makers, community leaders, businesses and advocates to discuss barriers affecting women across the region and encourage action to create positive change.

Organised by regional charity Lancashire Women and sponsored by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Lancashire, the festival aimed to amplify women's voices, inspire new thinking and encourage collaboration.

Lancashire Women, which has supported thousands of women across the county for more than 40 years, brought together more than 25 speakers throughout the event.

Keynote speakers included Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed, who addressed the motherhood penalty and workplace equality, and human rights barrister and author Harriet Johnson, who highlighted gaps in the criminal justice system in relation to violence, safety and justice for women.

Siobhan Collingwood, chief executive of Lancashire Women, also launched Hear My Voice, a report drawing on the experiences of women living in Lancashire to highlight the challenges they face.

"The event was an inspirational day of information, shared experiences and hopeful optimism,” said Siobhan. "Nine key themes for consideration and action were presented in our report – Hear My Voice. The report was shared, discussed and inspired all present to commit to being agents for change.

“Together our speakers, staff and delegates pledged to be part of making our own homes, workspaces and communities places where women can be healthy, wealthy and safe. We at Lancashire Women, will work with partners and supporters to ensure that this optimism and enthusiasm will continue to be supported by further forums for discussion, leading to real change, building a Lancashire where the women of Lancashire can be their full, true selves, building a healthier, wealthier and safer Lancashire for all."

Workshops and panel discussions covered healthcare inequalities, neurodiversity, hormonal health, violence against women and girls, economic impact and workplace equality.

The programme also featured contributions from Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, BBC resident doctor Dr Helen Wall, Police and Crime Commissioner CEO Anna Hopkins, EmilyTest founder Fiona Drouet, Pink Link founder Coral Horn and Male Allies UK founder Lee Chambers.

Alongside the conference programme, a marketplace featuring local community organisations and businesses ran throughout the day, accompanied by musical performances and thought-provoking art displays.

These included the Blue Shoes Exhibition, which represents the lives lost through domestic abuse-related suicides in 2025. The exhibition supports the campaign and petition for Kiena's Law, named after Kiena Dawes, a young Lancashire mother who died by suicide in 2022 following prolonged abuse.

Following the event, Commissioner Grunshaw said: "It was fantastic to see so many people and organisations coming together to make a positive difference for women and girls across Lancashire and beyond.

"The Festival of Women provided an excellent opportunity to listen, learn and collaborate on issues affecting women and girls, particularly those impacting their health, wealth and safety.

"Supporting events like this reflects my ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, strengthening partnership working, and ensuring that lived experience helps shape the services we provide.

"I will continue to engage with communities, partners and stakeholders across Lancashire to ensure their voices are heard and help inform our work to make the county a safer place for everyone."