Public Programmes

Westminster Abbey Institute fosters meaningful dialogue on public life’s biggest questions, hosting thought-provoking programmes with inspiring speakers to explore ethics, moral leadership, and societal values in a unique and historic setting.

The Long Story of Democracy

As the UK’s democracy continues to evolve, Westminster Abbey Institute invites you to the place where it began. Join the conversation this Autumn about democracy’s past, present, and future, in our programme of events: The Long Story of Democracy. More information to be announced soon.

Photograph showing the backs of the audience attending a panel discussion, sitting within the Nave of Westminster Abbey

Panel discussion: What is democracy for?

Tuesday, 20th October 2026

6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Nave
Free (booking required)

Photograph looking down on a panel of speakers from behind and seeing the front of audience members in the nave of Westminster Abbey

Conversation and performance: Voices of democracy

Wednesday, 4th November 2026

6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Nave
Free (booking required)

Photograph from the side of a panel discussion with the audience listening within the nave of Westminster Abbey

One People Oration: Democracy in a changing world

Wednesday, 25th November 2026

6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Nave
Free (booking required)

Marilynne Robinson giving a lecture at Westminster Abbey in 2017

Past Institute events

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