Everything you need to know about Liverpool’s Reclaim the Night march this year

Get your banners ready and your walking boots on, because the annual Reclaim the Night march is arriving on the streets of Liverpool on Friday the 29th of November.

Since 2012, demonstrations raising awareness for gender-based violence and harassment have been hosted across Merseyside, and this year will be no different.

Backed by the Liverpool Guild of Students, Liverpool John Moores’ Student Union, and Liverpool Hope University’s Student Union, preparations for the 2024 Reclaim the Night march are now in full swing – including banner making workshops and speech-writing sessions.

Protesting for a cause that resonates with many female-identifying people across the country, this demonstration will stand up against the fear many have of walking the streets at night. Take on the dark in confidence and stride alongside the city “as we reclaim our streets, our nights and our rights”.

The Reclaim the Night marches date back to the 1970s as part of the Women’s Liberation Movement, in the wake of the Yorkshire Ripper murders where police instructed women to steer clear of public spaces at night. This inspired women to take to the streets carrying signs emblazoned, ‘No Curfew on Women – Curfew on Men’.

Ever since, this march has become a yearly event across the country and internationally, with multiple universities and student bodies organising events and demonstrations in support of the cause.

Reclaim the Night is inclusive of all female-identifying persons – both students and locals – and believes in intersectional feminism, recognising the unique problem that women fitting into multiple minority groups are faced with. This night is an important moment to come together and fight for the security and bodily autonomy all women are entitled to.

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With Liverpool’s universities all joining forces to bring this event to the city, here’s your chance to show up and support! Here’s what you’ll need to know if you’re taking a stand, and what to expect from the march itself:

When is it?

The evening starts at 17:30 on Friday 29th November at the Bombed Out Church, where there will be speakers, and the march will begin at 18:00. Allies join the march at 18:15 at the Primark on Church Street, and the demonstration will finish at Derby Square.

What do I need?

Nothing, just show up and support! Signs and banners are always great though, of course.

Is it accessible?

The route is step free and in ear-plugs are provided for those sensitive to noise (it is likely to get very loud). If you have any accessibility requirements, email ‘[email protected]’. On the night, there will be stewards wearing high visibility vests who you can approach if you need support.

What should I expect from the march?

The march itself will follow a route through the city centre, concluding at Derby Square. There will be individuals with banners, signs and posters, and we’re expecting a large turnout. Some speakers will be joining too, where women are invited to make a speech or statement at the end of the march – the Liverpool Guild of Students is hosting workshops for prospective women, girls, allies and students to practice their public speaking ahead of the night. There will also be photographers at the march.

You can check the Liverpool Guild and JMSU websites for more details, where you can also claim a free ticket for the event.

Featured image via Instagram @liverpoolguild.