A transformative event that unites hundreds of women is set to return to North Wales this July. What began as a modest circle of women in a field has evolved into The Great Goddess Gathering, one of the UK's most acclaimed women's wellbeing festivals, recently nominated for a BBC Make A Difference Award. Held on the ancient Celtic lands of North Wales along the River Dee, where the goddess Aerfen was once celebrated, the gathering has become a sanctuary for women seeking connection, healing, empowerment, and community. Now in its eighth year, this concept has profoundly impacted thousands of attendees.
Event Details
This year's event takes place from July 9 to 13 at Ty Isa, with tickets still available at just £275, including camping and full access to a diverse programme over four days. Women are invited to immerse themselves in workshops, ceremonies, live music, healing practices, talks, wellness experiences, and community spaces designed to foster personal growth and authentic connections.
Internationally renowned artists like Lubiana and Nessi Gomes will perform alongside a lineup of talented musicians, wisdom keepers, facilitators, and healers. From a humble start with 25 women, the festival has grown into a four-day transformational event attracting hundreds from across the UK and worldwide, with the 2026 edition expected to be the largest yet.
Founder's Vision
Aimee Lea Frances, a Liverpool-based medicine musician, healer, and women's facilitator, shared the origin story: "The Great Goddess Gathering began as a seed of a dream on the coast of Thailand in 2019 with my sister Julia Tobin. After hosting an eight-day Inner Goddess retreat, I envisioned bringing women together on sacred land to reconnect with themselves, nature, and feminine wisdom."
That vision became a reality later that year on the banks of Hell's Mouth in North Wales. Without a business plan or major marketing, trust and a deep belief that women needed spaces to belong guided the first gathering. With support from her sisters and a small circle, Aimee welcomed just 25 attendees. Blessed with a heatwave and the beauty of the Welsh landscape, something magical unfolded: women gathered around fires, sang prayers to the waters, shared stories, celebrated their bodies, and began releasing old narratives of comparison and inadequacy.
The impact was immediate and surprising. Women returned home transformed, sharing their experiences with friends, sisters, daughters, and communities. One became ten, ten became fifty, and fifty became hundreds. Today, the gathering welcomes around 400 women globally, from England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Europe, the United States, Bali, and beyond. Despite its growth, Aimee insists the heart remains unchanged: "It is not about performance or perfection. It is about remembrance. At its core, it is about creating safe, trauma-aware spaces where women can reconnect with who they truly are. It is about giving women permission to be seen, to use their voice, to celebrate themselves, and to remember they do not have to navigate life alone."
Personal Journey
Aimee's own journey adds depth to the gathering. Before founding it, she endured severe pain from adenomyosis and made the difficult decision to undergo a hysterectomy at age 27. What could have broken her became a catalyst for healing, self-discovery, and purpose. Through spirituality, mindfulness, music, and embodiment practices, she transformed her suffering into a mission to help others reconnect with their power.
That spirit of transformation defines the gathering today. For many, it has become more than an annual event; it is a community and a movement. Organizers have witnessed countless stories of women arriving burdened by grief, trauma, burnout, or disconnection, only to leave with renewed confidence, purpose, and hope. Testimonials pour in after each event, fueling determination to expand.
One attendee shared: "Honestly, the last GGG has been life-changing. Something in me shifted, and it's had a ripple effect on my family and friends. I really came in touch with my gifts and broke free from things holding me back. I love myself in a whole new way. It has been so warming and heart-lifting to walk the land with sisters from all over the country and sit in space sharing vulnerability and simply just be."
Another said: "I was able to start healing my mother wound and kiss the forehead of my younger self in Aimee's workshop. The adjustment back to a busy life is easier with all I have learnt to bolster me when weakened by pressure. I really cannot express how deeply moved I have been at GGG. Thank you eternally. It's like 10 years of therapy in four days."
Looking Ahead
As The Great Goddess Gathering prepares to welcome hundreds again this July, it stands as a powerful example of what can happen when an idea is nurtured with love, authenticity, and unwavering belief. From a dream on a beach in Thailand to an international gathering in Wales, it proves that the most incredible movements begin with the smallest seeds.
The event runs from July 9 to 13, 2026, at Ty Isa, North Wales. The four-day weekend costs £275 (last few tickets) and includes camping, workshops, ceremonies, live music, healing practices, talks, wellness experiences, and community spaces. The gathering has been nominated for a BBC Make A Difference Award. For more information and tickets, visit the official website.
