7 days ago
Llangollen to host UK's largest women's adventure festival
The event, Camp VC, will take place from July 25 to 27 and is expected to draw hundreds of women and non-binary adventurers to the North Wales town for a weekend of adrenaline-fuelled activities.
Gemma Harrison, founder of Camp VC, said: "We're thrilled to bring Camp VC to Llangollen again this year.
"The Welsh landscape provides the perfect backdrop for adventure, and in pursuit of creating an environment that gives women and non-binary people freedom to explore, we've assembled our most impressive lineup of athletes, coaches, and inspirational speakers yet."
The festival offers a wide range of activities including dirt biking, wild swimming, mountain biking, wellness sessions and creative workshops.
Since its founding in 2015, Camp VC has helped more than 3,400 women get on motorbikes—many for the first time—and introduced more than 1,000 to skateboarding.
The event aims to create a supportive environment where women and non-binary people can try new activities without judgment.
BMX champion and Olympian Shanaze Reade, who has won nine world titles and holds two Guinness World Records, will headline the festival.
She will lead BMX sessions and share her journey from Crewe to international success.
Ms Reade said: "Camp VC promises something magical—a place where women can push their limits while feeling completely supported.
"I'm excited to help women discover the thrill of BMX racing in such a beautiful environment."
British motorcycling pioneer Patsy Quick, the first British woman to compete in the Dakar Rally, will also attend.
At 63, she continues to inspire through her Desert Rose racing school and will lead off-road motorcycle workshops.
Leah Tokelove, the UK's most successful female dirt track racer, will run track sessions and technical workshops for attendees.
Wellness sessions will take place throughout the weekend (Image: Camp VC)
In addition to adventure sports, the festival will include wellness sessions led by Ted Talk speaker Lu Featherstone, known to her 104,000 Instagram followers as an 'accidental middle-aged influencer' and menopause mindset expert.
She will be joined by What Laura Loves, who focuses on self-worth, mindset and healing after her recovery from a pulmonary embolism.
Adventure photographer Amy Shore will offer photography workshops to help attendees capture their experiences.
Evening entertainment will feature comedian Kema Bob, along with live music, campfires and community events.
The festival is expected to boost the local economy as visitors explore Llangollen and surrounding attractions.
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Ms Harrison said: "We've seen wonderful support from the Welsh community in previous years.
"Many of our attendees extend their stays to explore the beautiful surroundings, supporting local businesses and discovering what Wales has to offer."
Camp VC was born out of Ms Harrison's experience teaching friends to ride motorcycles in an east London car park.
It has since grown into the UK's leading women's adventure festival, with events, workshops and classes held throughout the year.
