‘Reclaim the Night’, a free community event promoting night-time safety advice and a united walk will take place in Huddersfield later this month.
When and where is it happening?
The event will be held on Sunday 26 October, 2pm to 5pm at Greenhead Park in Huddersfield, HD1 4DT.
What you’ll find at the event
The afternoon will feature a range of information stalls, guest speakers, local poetry and family-friendly activities, culminating in a lantern-lit march around the park.
Family activities include the chance for people to make their own banners, bracelets and placards and take part in grassroots football drills.
The Night Safety Bus will also be making a stop for people to visit.
About Reclaim the Night
We’re working in partnership with Kirklees Domestic Abuse Specialist Services and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to build on the success of last year’s event.
Reclaim the Night invites people to stand in solidarity against gender-based harassment, misogyny and violence in support of women and girls.
The event is timed to coincide with the clocks going back, a time of year when many women feel more vulnerable. It’s just one of five similar events taking place across West Yorkshire.
Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of the Council said:
“Reclaim the Night is a family-friendly event, bringing the whole community together in support of safety for women and girls across Kirklees, and beyond.
“Many women will become more aware of their safety, particularly at this time of year as the nights get darker. This demonstration of solidarity and strength sends a clear message that everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, regardless of the time of day.
“We continue to work with partners to support a range of schemes and safety initiatives. This includes the Night Safety Bus, Street Marshalls and Ask for Angela schemes. These all provide a reassuring presence and help boost the feeling of safety for everyone enjoying the night-life in Kirklees.”
Sarah Cooke, Director of KDASS (Kirklees Domestic Abuse Specialist Services) added:
“Reclaim the Night is a powerful beacon of light. As the evenings grow darker, it’s more important than ever to stand united and challenge the idea that safety should depend on the time of day. Because every person deserves to walk, exercise or enjoy time outside without fear, and every community has a role to play in making that a reality.
“We’re looking forward to standing together with partners and the public, with familiar and new faces young and old, on 26 October to collectively demonstrate our solidarity with women and girls – and to show that visibility, action and community spirit can drive real change.”
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.”
Working to improve safety
We continue to work with local partners to support various safety initiatives in town centres across Kirklees. This includes the Night Safety Bus, Street Marshalls and the Ask for Angela safety campaigns.