Women (and their children) across Merseyside are being invited to enjoy one of the most affordable summer holiday breaks available, as BlackFest’s Women4Womxn programme launches a two-night arts and wellbeing retreat in the heart of Derbyshire’s YHA National Forest this August.
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Taking place from 3rd–5th August, the women-and-children-only retreat offers an opportunity for women to rest, recharge and connect through creativity, while children enjoy a fun-filled programme of outdoor adventures and activities.
Thanks to significant subsidy from BlackFest, the retreat costs just £50 per person, with the price including return coach travel from Liverpool, accommodation, all meals and a packed programme of activities. With so much to do on the retreat and both travel and food included, it’s incredible value for money!
CLICK HERE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
The retreat is led by Layla Gibiliru, a Liverpool-based multidisciplinary artist, creative practitioner and community leader, who combines psychology, creativity and strategic leadership to improve wellbeing and create meaningful outcomes for communities.
Layla currently leads Women4Womxn, BlackFest’s free weekly wellbeing group, which supports women through creative practice, holistic wellbeing activities and peer connection. The programme also provides a crèche, making it easier for mothers and carers to access regular wellbeing support.
CLICK HERE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
The August retreat builds on this work by giving women and children the opportunity to experience nature, creativity and quality time together in a safe and supportive environment. During the stay, women can enjoy creative workshops and arts-based wellbeing sessions while children take part in supervised games and activities or make the most of the outdoor play spaces.
CLICK HERE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
Families will also visit Conkers Discovery Centre in Derbyshire, where activities include barefoot walking, adventure experiences, exploration of the National Forest and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors together. The retreat programme includes:
- Two nights’ accommodation in the National Forest
- Return transport from Liverpool
- All meals provided
- Creative workshops for women
- Arts and wellbeing activities
- Children’s games and supervised activities
- Outdoor play opportunities
- A visit to Conkers Discovery Centre
- Barefoot walking and adventure activities, including high ropes (subject to suitability)
CLICK HERE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
Speaking about the retreat, Layla Gibiliru said: “Women often spend so much of their time caring for everyone else that their own wellbeing comes last. Women4Womxn creates spaces where women feel supported, inspired and able to reconnect with themselves while making lasting memories with their children. We wanted to make this retreat genuinely affordable because every family deserves the chance to experience a summer break, regardless of their income.”
CLICK HERE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
The retreat forms part of BlackFest’s wider commitment to improving wellbeing through arts, culture and community engagement, and will also contribute to activities taking place during this year’s BlackFest Festival, including a forthcoming exhibition celebrating participants’ creative journeys. Places are limited and early booking is encouraged.
BlackFest Women4Womxn Retreat / 3rd-5th August 2026 / YHA National Forest, Moira, Derbyshire
CLICK HERE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
Follow the Women4Womxn project on INSTAGRAM
