West Yorkshire unites to Reclaim the Night

West Yorkshire unites to Reclaim the Night

As the nights get darker, women and allies across the region are being invited to come together to demand a safer, fairer West Yorkshire for all. 

Five ‘Reclaim the Night’ events will be held across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield on Sunday, October 26. 

The date marks the annual turning back of the clocks, a time that women and girls often report feeling vulnerable being in public spaces after dark. 

This show of collective action follows the success of last year’s event in Huddersfield, which saw hundreds call for change and stand in solidarity against violence against women and girls. 

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: 

“It’s unacceptable that women and girls feel they must change their behaviour or stay indoors when the nights draw in. 

“Last year, hundreds of us stood together to say, ‘enough is enough’ and demand better for women across West Yorkshire. 

“This year, we’re holding events in each district on the same day, and I encourage everyone to join us, as we Reclaim the Night and make our region a safer, fairer place for all.” 

Events:

• Bradford: The event will start at 4:30pm at the Carlton Prayer Room, Bradford University, followed by a walk to Centenary Square for speeches and poetry, before returning to the University and wrapping up with a performance from Soundproofbox.
• Calderdale: People are invited to join partners in conversation at Shibden Park from 3pm to 5:30pm. A walk through the historic grounds will take place from 4:30pm.
• Kirklees: There will be family friendly activities and stalls with support services and information from 2pm to 5pm at Greenhead Park. A walk around the park will begin at 3:45pm. 
• Leeds: The city will host a series of speeches outside Leeds Art Gallery from 5:30pm before a walk through the city centre, starting at 6pm.  
• Wakefield: Held at Wakefield Exchange, the event will start at 12pm, and will involve a banner making workshop. There will then be a vigil taking place at 5pm. This will launch a month of action leading up to a further Reclaim the Night event on November 27.  

West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE added:

“Creating a safer West Yorkshire for women and girls takes all of us working together.

“These Reclaim the Night events show the power of partnership and collective action in challenging violence and building a region where everyone can feel safe, day or night.”