Wakefield is Hosting A Reclaim The Night Event

Ever felt a bit uneasy walking home when it gets dark early? It’s a feeling many people know well. As the clocks go back in autumn, the longer nights can make public spaces feel less safe, especially for women and girls. But what if a whole community decided to do something about it? That's exactly what’s happening in Wakefield. The town is joining a powerful movement across West Yorkshire to stand up for safety and make sure everyone feels secure, day or night. This October and November, Wakefield Council is organising a series of ‘Reclaim the Night’ events, including a banner-making day, a vigil, and the town's first-ever protest march of its kind.

What's happening and why now?

The timing for this is no accident. On Sunday, 26 October, the same day the clocks turn back, Wakefield Council is kicking things off. This date was chosen specifically because it marks the start of darker evenings, a time when many women and girls report feeling more vulnerable. The whole point of the Reclaim the Night event is to challenge that feeling and send a clear message: the streets belong to everyone, at any time. It's about taking a stand against Violence Against Women and Girls, often shortened to VAWG. This term covers a range of harmful behaviours and is a serious issue that communities everywhere are working to tackle.

The upcoming events are designed to bring people together, build confidence, and demand change. It’s not just about one night; it’s about starting a conversation and building a safer community for the long run. By holding a banner-making event and a vigil, the council is creating a space for people to connect, share their feelings, and prepare to make their voices heard. This is more than just a protest; it's a statement of unity and strength from the people of Wakefield.

Cllr Maureen Cummings, who is the Wakefield Council’s VAWG Champion, explained the simple, powerful idea behind it all.

“Women should feel safe to walk in public places any time of the day or night. Reclaim the Night is about building stronger, safer communities for every resident. Tackling violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility. As Wakefield Council’s VAWG champion, I want to empower women and girls and encourage our male allies to stand up for women’s safety. That’s boys, men, allies, all together at an event that will really make a difference.”

A community coming together

This isn't an effort being made by just one group. It's a true partnership. Tackling big issues like community safety requires everyone to get involved, and that's exactly what's happening in Wakefield. The Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is a key player here. Think of the CSP as a team of different organisations—like the council, the police, and other local groups—all working together with one goal: to make the area a better, safer place for residents. The Reclaim the Night event is a perfect example of this partnership in action.

The involvement of allies is also a massive part of this movement. An ally is anyone who stands up for the rights and safety of a group they may not be a part of. In this case, it’s about boys and men joining women and girls to show that ending violence is a job for the entire community. It’s about recognising that this isn't a 'women's issue' but a human issue that affects friends, family, and neighbours. The call is for everyone to stand together.

Cllr Daniel Wilton, who is the Cabinet Member for Communities and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership, spoke about this united approach.

“As Chair of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), I am committed to tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms. We want Wakefield to be a place where women and girls feel safe, heard, and empowered. Our CSP unites organisations to enhance safety and wellbeing for residents and local communities. We are working together on this issue, which demands action from every corner of our community.”

It's a West Yorkshire thing

Wakefield isn't going it alone. The town is one of five councils across West Yorkshire holding a Reclaim the Night event on the same day. This coordinated effort shows just how seriously the region is taking the issue of safety for women and girls. When multiple towns and cities join forces, the message becomes much louder and more powerful. It demonstrates a shared commitment to making the whole of West Yorkshire a place where people don't have to think twice about walking home in the dark.

This regional collaboration is supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, highlighting a strong partnership between local councils and regional leaders. The idea is that by working together, they can share resources, learn from each other, and create a wave of positive change that benefits everyone. The power of these events comes from collective action.

West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, added her thoughts on the importance of this joint effort.

“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.”

Why this matters more than ever

Let's be honest, talking about violence can be tough. But looking at the facts shows why events like Reclaim the Night are so important. The National Police Chief’s Council found that crimes related to VAWG went up by 37% between 2018 and 2023. That's a big jump. Statistics also show that at least one in every twelve women will be a victim each year, and many people think the real number is actually much higher because many incidents go unreported. These aren't just numbers; they represent real people and real experiences in our communities.

This is why the first-ever Wakefield Reclaim the Night march is happening. Scheduled for Thursday, 27 November, this historic march is being organised by councillors, including the council’s VAWG Champion, alongside local groups Blossom and Empath Theatre. The goal is to empower women and girls, to let them know they are not alone, and to visibly stand up for safer public spaces across the district. The march is a physical representation of the community's demand for better safety for everyone.

How you can get involved in Wakefield

Getting involved is easy and everyone is welcome. Whether you want to get creative, stand in solidarity, or join the main march, there’s a way for you to show your support. Here’s a breakdown of the events planned:

• Banner Making Day & Vigil: On Sunday, 26 October, head down to the Wakefield Exchange. From 11am to 4pm, you can join the free banner making workshop to create signs for the march. The day will finish with a thoughtful vigil under the canopy, offering a moment of reflection.
• The First-Ever Wakefield Reclaim the Night March: On Thursday, 27 November, the big event takes place.
  • 2:30pm: There's another free, drop-in banner making session at Wakefield Library if you missed the first one.
  • 5:00pm: The Wakefield Exchange will host stalls from local providers, including the Wakefield Council's Community Safety Partnership. It’s a great chance to learn more about local services.
  • 6:00pm - 8:30pm: The evening kicks off with opening discussions before the march begins from the Wakefield Exchange. Join the walk to help reclaim the night.

This is a chance for the Wakefield community to come together. By taking part in the banner making, the vigil, or the march itself, you’re helping to build a safer, more supportive night-time environment for all women and girls in the area. It’s about showing that the whole community cares about this issue.