‘Enough is enough’: Reclaim the Night events turn words into action

“My dear stand in union, speak voice that shake our ancestors. Speak with intention and mention our sisters. Because I'm Reclaiming my Night.”

These are the poignant words of poet Jodie.O, whose performance will form part of one of five powerful Reclaim the Night events taking place across West Yorkshire this weekend.

It has all been timed to coincide with the turning back of the clocks on Sunday, October 26, which is when women often report feeling unsafe in public spaces after dark.

Events will be held in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield, with communities coming together in solidarity to demand better for women and girls.

From banner-making workshops and vigils in Wakefield, to a walk through the historic grounds of Shibden Park in Calderdale, each district event will feature empowering activities or performance that invite people of all ages to take part and speak out.

Jodie, who will be performing in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield, said:

“This event is very close to my heart, and every woman should feel safe.”

In Leeds, poet Michelle Scally Clarke will share her own personal reflections through spoken word, speaking to the lived reality of many women. She said:

“As a fifty-five-year-old artist, I have lived through situations where I have been in danger.

“As a single mother, a lone parent, I’ve worked shifts, raised a family, paid taxes, and fought hard.

“We have the right to be safe – reclaim the night, reclaim your power!”

The event in Bradford will feature a performance from Soundproofbox CIC, a theatre company which uses art and performance to raise awareness of societal issues.

Founder, Lise Kaye-Bell, said:

“Reclaim the Night is about standing together and saying we’ve had enough of fear and silence.

“Through Soundproofbox, we use theatre to tell the stories people often keep hidden, because when we open up and speak out, that’s when real change starts.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:

“Turning back the clocks doesn’t just mean an extra hour in bed – for many women, it means changing their routines just to feel safe.

“That is why on Sunday, people across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield are standing united to Reclaim the Night and demand an end to violence against women and girls.

“Because we will not rest until West Yorkshire is a safer, fairer place for all. Join us and call for the change we all deserve.”

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 11am and will involve a banner making workshop. There will then be a vigil taking place at 4pm. This will launch a month of action leading up to a further Reclaim the Night event on November 27.

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‘Enough is enough’: Reclaim the Night events turn words into action