Women (and 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.
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!
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.
BlackFest’s Women4Womxn programme is now a core service for women and children which runs every Tuesday’s 10am-1pm — locations vary and it follows the NHS 5 Ways To Wellbeing, covering everything from creative arts to fitness to mindfulness. The services is for anyone who identifies as a woman.
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.
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)
This is BlackFest’s third wellbeing retreat. The first pilot opportunity came about after the pandemic realising the affects of racism has on communities. BlackFest took 33 artists and community members to North Yorkshire’s Swinton Bivouc and activities included sunset forest bathing, yoga, gong bath, horse riding and a somatic healing workshop with Lateisha Davine Lovelace-Hanson.
The second retreat featured a trip to Camp Katur with bush craft activities and basic outdoor survival workshops with a hot tub and sauna included. Accommodation and meals were part of the subsidised offer on both retreats.
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.”
Blackfest’s Creative Director Jubeda Khatun said: “Layla Gibiliru has exhibited twice at BlackFest’s annual festival as a Visual Artist. We had poignant discussions and one of her most powerful quotes as part of the exhibition was ‘Words that are spoken without saying a word,’ — it’s stark reminder of the times we live in. Inequalities are not a result of words — it’s what is not said and marginalisation can show up in the quietest ways. Layla has been an incredible addition to our team — she loves supporting women and children.”
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 black creatives. Places are limited and early booking is encouraged.
BlackFest Women4Womxn Retreat / 3rd-5th August 2026 / YHA National Forest, Moira, Derbyshire
VISIT EVENTBRITE FOR SUBSIDISED TICKETS FOR JUST £50
