Gloucester’s Reclaim the Night march drew crowds last night as campaigners, community groups and residents came together to demand safer streets for women and girls.
The event, organised by Gloucester City Council and supported by partners across the county, saw a striking Suffragette-inspired banner take pride of place at the front of the procession.
The banner — a two-metre textile artwork created by local sewing collective Exploring Textiles — was crafted from recycled curtain lining, scrap fabric, felt and wool. The 15-member group, which meets weekly at The Folk in Gloucester, also carried handmade pennant flags as they joined participants on the walk from Kings Square through the city centre.
Last night’s march formed part of the national Reclaim the Night movement, which began in 1977 during the Peter Sutcliffe murders, and continues to highlight the ongoing issue of gender-based violence. It also sits within the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December.
Campaigners referenced stark figures to highlight the urgency of the cause: gender-based violence has risen 37% between 2018 and 2023; 71% of women report harassment in public spaces; and 86% of girls and young women avoid going out after dark.
Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre said: “It’s sobering to see so many people marching to highlight the dangers that women and girls still face when they’re out late in our society — and, honestly, during the day too. But it’s also fantastic to see the creativity and hopefulness on display.
There is so much work to do to tackle this violence, and it will take all of us working together to achieve the government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls.”
Gathering from 6pm in Kings Square, marchers completed the route before returning for music and refreshments provided by Glos Soup, rounding off the evening with a strong sense of community solidarity. The event was open to all and drew a broad mix of ages and supporters.
Organisers say the turnout shows the continued need to speak out against gender-based violence — and that the fight for safer streets in Gloucestershire remains as relevant as ever.