A local textiles group has produced a striking Suffragette-inspired banner for this year’s Gloucestershire Reclaim the Night walk, organised by Gloucester City Council.
The 15-member sewing collective, Exploring Textiles, meets weekly at the Folk in Gloucester and has crafted a two-metre banner from recycled curtain lining, scrap fabric, felt and wool. It will lead the march on Friday 28 November, supported by the county council, district councils and the Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre. Members will also carry handmade pennant flags to further raise awareness.
Reclaim the Night is part of a national movement demanding safer streets for women and girls. The first march took place in 1977 in response to police advice urging women to stay indoors after dark during the Peter Sutcliffe murders. The event also forms part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.
Campaigners point to stark figures: 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 to stay safe.
Artist Ally Goff, who leads the Gloucester textile group, said: “The banner was inspired by Suffragette protest banners. We wanted a bold design that would draw attention to the walk.”
A free drop-in placard-making session will take place on Saturday 22 November at Jolt in Kings Square from 10.30am to 2pm for anyone wanting to join the march.
Cllr Rebecca Trimnell, cabinet member for community engagement, said: “Creative banners are a fun and eye-catching way to highlight a serious message. Violence and sexual assault against women and girls are rising — this is not the society we want to raise our children in. We must tackle this together.”
Gloucestershire’s Reclaim the Night will gather in Kings Square from 6pm to 6.30pm on Friday 28 November. After the march, music and refreshments provided by Glos Soup will run until 8.30pm. The event is open to everyone.