Harriet Johnson
Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers | Founder member of Women in Criminal Law | Former Chair of the board at Women In Prison | Author
Harriet is a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London, one of the UK’s leading human rights chambers. Her work centres entirely on women’s rights: from holding the state accountable for its failures to protect women, to defending women charged with serious crimes that are often a direct consequence of the abuse they have suffered themselves.
She is a founder member of Women in Criminal Law and a former Chair of the board at Women in Prison – two organisations at the forefront of challenging the way the justice system treats women.
Harriet is also the author of Enough: The Violence Against Women and How to End It (Harper Collins, 2022), a book that has sparked vital conversations across the legal profession, politics and beyond.
At Festival of Women
Violence, Safety and Justice for Women.
Drawing on her extensive experience in the criminal courts, Harriet will explore how the justice system responds to violence against women and girls and what that experience truly looks like for the women living it every single day.
Her keynote will examine:
- How the justice system has changed for victims and survivors of male violence and where it continues to fall short.
- What the available data tells us about violence against women and crucially, what it can’t.
- What future developments in law, policy and culture could mean for women’s safety going forward.
Grounded in real cases, real women and real consequences, this is a keynote that will challenge you, move you and leave you thinking differently about the world women navigate every day.
Book Your Place
Join us for the day, the evening, or both!Â
Secure your place now and be part of a landmark event for Lancashire.Â
Why This MattersÂ
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. Yet the justice system, the very institution designed to protect the most vulnerable, continues to fail women in ways that are both systemic and deeply personal.
At Festival of Women 2026, we are committed to shining a light on the realities women face and driving meaningful conversations about how we create lasting change. Harriet’s keynote sits at the very heart of that commitment.
Ticket Prices
Day ticket
Prices starting from
£98
- Enjoy the full daytime conference, including speakers, sessions and networking.
- Discounted rates are available for charities and groups (3+ tickets).
- Early bird pricing is automatically applied until 15 May 2026.
Evening ticket
Prices starting from
£65
- Join us for the evening celebration only, independently of the conference.
- Featuring a three‑course meal, entertainment and great company.
- Discounted rate available for full tables of 10.
Full experience ticket
Prices starting from
£135
- Immerse yourself in the experience, with both the daytime conference and the evening celebration.
- Discounted rates are available for charities and groups (3+ tickets).
- Early bird pricing is automatically applied until 15 May 2026.
Invoices can be raised if preferred. Please email us at festival@lancashirewomen.org and we will arrange this for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a women-only event?
No. Everyone is welcome. Whilst the conference focuses on issues, experiences and opportunities related to supporting women, the event is designed for all genders. The aim is to bring people together to learn, collaborate and create positive change for all.
Is there a minimum age limit for attendees?
Due to the themes we will be exploring, it is recommended that Festival attendees are aged 16 and over.
Is there a cost to attend?
Yes, there is a ticket fee to attend the Festival. This helps to cover venue hire, speakers, accessibility provisions, and the delivery of high-quality experience for all attendees. Any surplus proceeds raised from ticket sales will be used to support the vital work of Lancashire Women, meaning your attendance contributes directly to supporting women and their families experiencing the issues highlighted throughout the day. Full ticket pricing and booking details are available here.
Can I pay by invoice?
Yes. If you’d prefer to pay by invoice, rather than debit/credit card, we’d be happy to accommodate this. Please email us at festival@lancashirewomen.org with the number of tickets you require and the ticket type you’d like to purchase.
Do I have to stay for the evening event?
No, you are very welcome to attend just the daytime conference. We understand everyone has differing schedules and commitments, so you can purchase a daytime conference ticket only and skip the evening celebration if that suits you best.
Can I come along for the evening celebration only?
Yes, absolutely. Our ticket options are designed to be flexible, so you can choose any part of the Festival you’d like to attend. You have a choice of the daytime conference, the evening celebration or both through a full experience ticket – giving you access to the whole Festival! Just select the ticket type that works for you here.
Is there a dress code?
Daytime conference: Smart casual recommended.
Evening celebration: Cocktail attire.
Will food and refreshments be provided?
Yes, food and refreshments will be available at both the daytime conference and evening celebration:Â
- At the daytime conference, a buffet lunch will be provided. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, with breaks built into the conference programme.
- A the evening celebration, you’ll receive a welcome drink upon arrival and a 3-course meal will be provided. The menu will follow closer to the event date.
During the ticket booking process, please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will work with the venue to ensure that these are accommodated.
Can I bring my own food?
You shouldn’t need to bring your own food or drink, as food and refreshments will be provided during the event. However, if you have specific dietary requirements or medical needs, please email us at festival@lancashirewomen.org in advance and we’ll make sure there are appropriate options available to you.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, the venue is fully accessible with lifts and routes throughout. Please let us know if you have any specific accessibility concerns and we will work with the venue to ensure that you can fully participate in the event.
Where is the event being held?
The daytime conference is being held in the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre, which is located at the Winter Gardens. You can access the building by the entrance on Leopold Grove, Blackpool, FY1 1HU.Â
The evening celebration is being held in the Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens.
How do I get there?
By Train: The nearest station is Blackpool North, around a 10-minute walk from the venue.
By Bus: Blackpool transport bus routes serve the town centre. For more information, click here.
By Taxi: You can be dropped at the entrance of the venue by a taxi and there is a taxi rank on Church Street, just a few minutes walk away.
By Car: Use FY1 4LH for Sat Nav. Please be aware that central Blackpool has a one-way system and pedestrianised areas, so follow local signs.
I need to stay overnight. Is there accommodation?
Yes. Blackpool has lots of accommodation, with options to suit all budgets. The venue can secure preferential rates at hotels within the area for Festival of Women attendees. We’ll share information on this to attendees via email soon.
Do I need to pre-book the breakout sessions I want to attend?
If breakout sessions require pre-booking, you’ll be informed in advance via email in the lead up to the conference. Otherwise, sessions will operate on a first-come first-served basis on the day. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot in your preferred sessions.
Is there a quiet room or wellbeing space?
Yes, there will be a designated quiet room/wellbeing space available throughout the conference for anyone who needs a moment away from the main event. This may include rest breaks, sensory breaks or prayer and faith-based reflection. If you have specific accessibility, wellbeing or faith needs, feel free to let us know before the event and we’ll do our best to support you.
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