By KLTV Newsdesk –

From poetry and performance to powerful walks of solidarity, communities across the region are coming together to take a stand against violence and fear.

“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.

The movement has been timed to coincide with the turning back of the clocks on Sunday, 26 October, a time when many women report feeling increasingly unsafe in public spaces after dark.

Standing Together Across Five Districts

Events will take place in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield, as communities come together in solidarity to demand a safer future for women and girls.

From banner-making workshops and vigils in Wakefield to a walk through Shibden Park in Calderdale, each district event promises empowering activities and performances, inviting people of all ages to participate and speak out.

Jodie, who will perform in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield, said: “This event is very close to my heart, and every woman should feel safe.”

Voices of Strength and Resistance

In Leeds, renowned poet Michelle Scally Clarke will bring her voice to the stage, sharing spoken-word reflections drawn from her lived experience.

“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!”

Meanwhile, in Bradford, theatre company Soundproofbox CIC will take to the stage, using performance art to confront difficult truths and inspire change.

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.”

“We Will Not Rest Until West Yorkshire Is Safer”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, voiced her support for the campaign, highlighting how even small seasonal changes can impact women’s daily lives.

“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.”

Event Details

Bradford:
Begins at 4:30 pm at the Carlton Prayer Room, University of Bradford. A walk to Centenary Square will feature speeches and poetry before returning for a Soundproofbox performance.

Calderdale:
Join partners in conversation at Shibden Park from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, with a walk through the historic grounds at 4:30 pm.

Kirklees:
Greenhead Park will host family-friendly activities and stalls from 2 pm to 5 pm, with a community walk starting at 3:45 pm.

Leeds:
Speeches will take place outside Leeds Art Gallery from 5:30 pm, followed by a walk through the city centre at 6 pm.

Wakefield:
Held at Wakefield Exchange from 12 pm, the event will include a banner-making workshop and vigil at 5 pm, launching a month of action ahead of a second event on 27 November.

For full details of all events, visit the official Reclaim the Night webpage.