March to Reclaim the Night

By Lily Bowen and Katie Seller

Every year the University of Lincon’s Students’ Union stages a Reclaim the Night march on the city’s street. 

The March started in Leeds in 1977 as a part of the Women’s Liberation Movement but has since been adopted across the country and has become an important event for Lincoln students.

Many people feel unsafe walking home in the dark and the march has created a diverse community who protest against sexual violence. Feeling the power of marching alongside women, LGBTQIA+ individuals and people from many racial backgrounds highlighted that dignity, safety and kindness should exist at all hours, not just in daylight.

Reclaim the Night started at The Engine Shed on the university campus, drawing hundreds of participants from all genders and backgrounds. The march moved through the city in a parade-style, taking a peaceful stand against sexism, misogyny and the idea that danger or discrimination should be accepted simply because it is dark. The energy walking amongst the hundreds of people felt empowering and electric.

Thomas Woodcock (Student Support and Development Officer) Chelsea (Women’s Rugby President) and Ellie (Feminist Society President) delivered powerful speeches on the importance of spreading awareness and creating a safer environment for the wider Lincoln community. 

We spoke to third year students who have taken part in the march each year and why they kept returning. 

“I’m here for all the women that couldn’t be here” was one answer and a sentiment shared by many in the crowd. 

Reclaim the Night reinforces the university’s identity as a supportive and empowering space committed not only to its own student community, but the wider city as well. 

One student highlighted that ‘awareness is fundamentally the most important thing’ and Lincoln is a city that takes the safety of its community seriously.

It was encouraging to see strong support from volunteers, police and those handing out hot chocolates, helping to guide the peaceful parade through the streets and keep everyone warm. 

Their presence reinforced that this was not something imposed on the public, but a reflection of Lincoln’s values, creating a shared sense of pride as everyone walked together.

The bottom picture shows Hello Lincoln interns Lily (left) and Katie taking part in Reclaim The Night.