Festival of Leadership 2026

NHS North West Festival of Leadership 2026

22nd October 2026

We’ll open the festival by challenging leaders to think boldly about how they thrive through complexity, uncertainty and constant change. Designed with executives in mind, this session equips participants to lead with clarity and impact in high-pressure environments.

In the afternoon, interactive workshops will explore the future of neighbourhood and digital leadership, alongside practical ways to turn the 10-Year Health Plan into meaningful action and measurable change. Dedicated spaces will also bring together organisational development professionals and non-executive directors to connect, collaborate and shape the future of leadership together.

Special interest networking

As part of the NHS North West Festival of Leadership 2026, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in an optional Special Interest Networking initiative designed to support meaningful, targeted connections. 

Participants who opt in will be invited to indicate their key areas of interest, professional focus, or specific topics they would like to explore. Based on these preferences, delegates will be thoughtfully matched with peers who share similar interests or complementary experience.

Ahead of the event, matched participants will receive an introduction via email to enable early connection and help spark initial conversations. 

Click here to sign up for interest networking

Site Information

This year’s Festival of Leadership will take place at The Edge Wigan in Wigan (WN3 5AB).

Photo of The Edge, Wigan

Reaching The Edge Wigan, is straightforward whether you’re travelling by public transport or by car.

Address

The Edge

Riveredge,

Wigan,

WN3 5AB

By public transport

The nearest rail stations are Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western, roughly 10 minutes on foot from the station.

Several bus routes operate from both Wigan Wallgate and Wigan North Western to the venue, including the 352, 602, 604, 610 and 641.

By car

If you’re driving, you can plan your route easily using Google Maps; this link opens directions directly: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYfkgrp3JY4Z8v7r5

The Edge has parking available on site; vehicular owners must enter their car registration at reception to avoid charges.

Facilities

The Edge is a fully wheelchair accessible venue. A prayer room and a multifaith room are available on site. Should you wish to use these, please ask a member of the events team.

The venue has an on-site cafe, Postcode Coffee House.

The Edge is committed to providing local social value and supports a number of local health and care initiatives, including an on-site food bank. Delegates may bring food bank donations to the venue if they wish to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

This festival is open to senior NHS and North West system leaders, including executives, board members, and aspiring director-level leaders from NHS and public sector organisations. If you or a colleague did not receive an invitation but would like to attend, please contact: [email protected].
No. The Festival of Leadership is free of charge for NHS North West staff. It is fully funded by the NHS North West Leadership Academy and NHS England North West as part of our commitment to developing strong leadership across the public sector. Tickets have limited availability, so book to avoid disappointment.
The festival delivers expert insights, practical learning and strategic networking, all of which help NHS leaders tackle challenges more effectively and improve care delivery. The NHS North West Leadership Academy is committed to responsible public sector spending, and all our providers undergo a competitive procurement process.
Yes. Tea, coffee, water, and a fully catered buffet lunch will be provided. Please notify us of any dietary requirements when registering.
We welcome involvement from attendees. While the main programme is scheduled, we are hosting an exhibition of leadership development good practice from the region. To express interest in exhibiting, please contact: [email protected]. Limited exhibition places are available.
Stay informed by subscribing to the NHS North West Leadership Academy newsletter and following our social media channels. We will also post any updates or detailed programme information on the NWLA website and on the Festival event page as the date approaches.
The Festival venue will be accessible, and we are committed to inclusion. If you have any specific requirements (such as mobility access, hearing or vision support, dietary restrictions, etc.), please indicate them when you register or contact us beforehand. We will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
For any additional questions, please contact the NHS North West Leadership Academy team. We will be happy to provide further assistance and ensure you have the information you need.

Explore

Read more and watch back our keynote speakers and highlights from our past Festival of Leadership events:

2025 | Event Takeaways

2024 | Event Takeaways

2023 | Read more about our return of the Festival of Leadership

2019 | Headlined by Jaz Ampaw-Farr ‘Leadership and System Transformation’

Watch the highlights

2018 | Headlined by Jeremy Heimans ‘Understanding New Power’

Watch the highlights

You can also check out the activity from the day on Twitter by searching #NWFoL