Legal leaders, prison chaplains, theologians and community organisations will come together at Winchester Cathedral this October for the fourth annual Law Week Festival, a unique programme exploring the relationship between faith, justice and rehabilitation.
Running from 5 to 15 October 2026, the festival invites audiences to engage with some of the most pressing questions facing society today, including how communities support rehabilitation, the role of faith within the criminal justice system, and what justice means in an increasingly complex world.
Among the headline events is an address by Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC, who will explore the future of justice in an age of rapid technological change in his talk, Justice and the Rule of Law in the Age of Machines. Drawing on his experience in law, public life and faith, the former Justice Secretary will consider the challenges and opportunities created by emerging technologies.
The festival will also feature Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley, whose keynote lecture, Beyond Fairness: The Surprising Justice of a Merciful God, will examine the relationship between justice and mercy through a theological perspective.
A major feature of this year’s festival is the Law Week Exhibition, which brings together creative work from local schoolchildren and men from HMP/YOI Winchester. The exhibition includes portraits of Hampshire judges and magistrates created through the Wisdom by Innocence project alongside photography, poetry and artwork developed in partnership with BearFace Theatre CIC, exploring themes of hope, freedom, voice and justice.
The programme also includes the annual Law Sunday Service, celebrating those who serve in law and order across Hampshire, and a special event led by Rev David Hinks examining the important work of chaplaincy within the criminal justice system and the role faith can play in supporting rehabilitation and reintegration.
Canon Andrew Micklefield, Canon Treasurer at Winchester Cathedral, said:
“Law Week Festival creates a space for thoughtful conversation about issues that affect individuals, communities and society as a whole. By bringing together voices from the legal profession, the Church, education and the voluntary sector, we hope to encourage a deeper understanding of justice, mercy and the importance of supporting people as they rebuild their lives.”
For more information and booking information, visit the Winchester Cathedral website here.
Programme highlights
- 5 to 15 October: Law Week Exhibition.
- 9 October, 7.30pm: Justice and the Rule of Law in the Age of Machines with Sir Robert Buckland KBE KC.
- 11 October, 11.00am: Law Sunday Service.
- 12 October, 7.00pm: Chaplaincy in the Criminal Justice System with Rev David Hinks.
- 14 October, 7.30pm: Beyond Fairness: The Surprising Justice of a Merciful God with Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley.
Law Week Festival 2026 takes place at Winchester Cathedral from 5 to 15 October 2026 and explores themes of faith, justice, mercy, rehabilitation and community engagement. The festival includes talks, worship and an exhibition featuring work by local schools and participants from HMP/YOI Winchester. Law Week is sponsored by Shentons Solicitors.
