Wakefield unites with West Yorkshire to 'Reclaim the Night'
Monday, October 20, 2025
Wakefield Council will be hosting a Reclaim the Night banner making event and vigil on Sunday 26 October.
The date marks the annual turning back of the clocks, a time that women and girls often report feeling vulnerable being in public spaces after dark.
“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.”
Cllr Maureen Cummings
Wakefield Council’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Champion
“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.”
Cllr Daniel Wilton
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Chair of the Community Safety Partnership
Wakefield is one of five West Yorkshire councils holding an event on 26 October, as part of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s coordinated programme across West Yorkshire.
West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, added: “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.”
The National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) found that VAWG related crime increased by 37% between 2018 and 2023. At least 1 in every 12 women will be a victim per year, with the exact number expected to be much higher.
The event will precede Wakefield’s first-ever Reclaim the Night march on Thursday 27 November. The event has been organised by councillors including Wakefield Council’s VAWG champion, Cllr Maureen Cummings, Blossom and Empath Theatre. The march aims to empower women and girls to stand up for safer spaces across the district.
People are encouraged to get involved by:
- Join Wakefield Council at Wakefield Exchange on Sunday 26 October with a day of banner making 11-4pm, ending with a vigil under the canopy.
- On Thursday 27 November, a free banner making drop-in will take place at Wakefield Library at 2:30pm. Local providers, including Wakefield Council’s Community Safety Partnership, will be hosting stalls from 5pm at Wakefield Exchange. Opening discussions and the march will take place from 6-8:30pm, starting from Wakefield Exchange.