By KLTV Newsdesk –

Women and allies to unite across five towns and cities in call for safety and fairness

Women and allies across West Yorkshire are being urged to come together this October to demand safer streets and a fairer region for all.

On Sunday, 26th October, five ‘Reclaim the Night’ events will take place simultaneously in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.

The date marks the turning back of the clocks – a time of year when many women and girls report feeling particularly vulnerable in public spaces after dark.

Building on last year’s success

The events follow the success of last year’s rally in Huddersfield, which saw hundreds march in solidarity against violence towards 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.”

Last year’s Reclaim the Night rally took place in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield

What’s happening across West Yorkshire

Each district will host its own programme of activities, combining creative expression, community action and marches of solidarity:

• Bradford: Walk through the city centre with a performance in Centenary Square.

• Calderdale: Community conversations in Shibden Park, followed by a walk through the historic grounds.

• Kirklees: Family-friendly activities, stalls with support services, and a walk around the park.

• Leeds: Speeches outside Leeds Gallery before a march through the city centre.

• Wakefield: Banner-making workshop and vigil, launching a month of action leading up to another Reclaim the Night event on 27th November.

Collective action for change

West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said: “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.”