Cornwall to Stand United at 20th Annual Reclaim The Night: Honouring Lives Lost and Demanding Freedom

Newquay to Host Vigil and Women’s March on 6th December

The Women’s Centre Cornwall is calling on the community to come together for the 20th annual Reclaim The Night event, taking place on Wednesday, 6th December, at the Killacourt bandstand in Newquay. Starting at 6:00 pm, the evening will include a candlelit vigil, live performances, and a women-only march through the town, sending a powerful message against male violence and misogyny.

A Night to Remember

The event will begin with a candlelit vigil to honour the women and children whose lives have been lost to male violence across the UK this year. Each woman will be represented with a candle and a flower. The Women’s Centre Cornwall is inviting attendees to bring flowers, torches, fairy lights, or anything to help illuminate the evening.

Live Performances and Inspiring Messages

The programme features live music by Angeline Morrison and Holly Anne Coles, spoken word poetry by women who have accessed support through The Women’s Centre Cornwall, and a dance performance by KBSK Performing Arts. Speeches will be delivered by survivor activist Viv Gordon and young women from the Young Empowered Women’s Project, providing a powerful platform for survivors and advocates.

Standing Against Male Violence

Reclaim The Night is part of The Women’s Centre Cornwall’s broader efforts to challenge a culture of disrespect, abuse, and violence towards women and girls. In Cornwall, over 5,300 women experience domestic abuse each year, with around 2,500 enduring rape or sexual assault. The statistics are a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.

Jackie May, CEO of The Women’s Centre Cornwall, highlighted the importance of the event, saying:

“We are inviting our community once again to come together to take action to uproot the misogyny that sits at the foundation of a culture of disrespect, abuse, and violence towards women and girls. This year marks our 20th Reclaim The Night event in Cornwall, and our message remains the same: we do not consent to living in a society in which we are not safe, respected, and free in every space. Bring your friends, family, voice, flowers, lights, and banners as we create warmth, make noise, and take up space in Newquay.”

#UprootingMisogyny Campaign Launches

In the lead-up to the event, The Women’s Centre Cornwall will launch the #UprootingMisogyny campaign on 25th November to coincide with the start of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. This campaign aims to challenge the attitudes and behaviours that underpin violence and abuse.

Supporting the Event

The event, which is wheelchair accessible and open to all, will also include hot drinks and a safe space provided by The Roasting Room, marking the third year of their sponsorship. While the march itself is women-only to honour the origins of Reclaim The Night, men and boys are encouraged to attend the vigil and stand in solidarity.

For updates, follow The Women’s Centre Cornwall on Facebook, on Instagram, or search #ReclaimTheNightCornwall and #UprootingMisogyny online.

This event represents a vital step in Cornwall’s ongoing efforts to create a society where women and girls can live free from violence and fear.