Solidarity and Strength at Reclaim the Night 2025

On Thursday the 4th of December, students from the University of Liverpool, John Moores and Liverpool Hope took to the streets. United by the desire for safer streets and the end of gender based violence, students and community allies came out in force.

The march started at the Bombed out Church at around 18:00. As we approach the winter solstice, by 6pm our streets are already dark. For women across the city, travelling back from uni, work or the library at that time already starts to get nervy.

A strong crowd was drawn from a multitude of backgrounds. It was lovely to be among a group of likeminded people not just from Liverpool’s universities but the city as a whole. Chatting before and after the march helped create a wonderful sense of community despite the reality of the reason we had all come out on a Thursday night in protest.

The route took us from the Bombed Out Church, down Bold Street, past LiverpoolOne and finally to Derby Square. It was far busier in town than I expected. Lots of people appeared to be out making a start to their Christmas shopping or heading out for dinner.

On the whole, people in town were respectful and supportive. I appreciate that dozens of people chanting to reclaim the streets of Liverpool could be shocking, so it was nice to see people embrace us. I would be lying if I said there weren’t negative responses, but I only heard one heckle personally. What I will take away were the groups and individuals who cheered, clapped and joined in with the chants. Seeing the city stand alongside us was moving, and I am grateful to everyone who showed support.

After reaching Derby square, we heard a range of speeches from individuals such as Virginia, the head of UoL’s Feminist Society and our own Holly Thompson, Guild Deputy President. Hearing the speaker’s powerful words on topics like femicide and anti-Trans violence reminded us all why a march like Reclaim the Night is a powerful act of defiance not just an empty action.

I’d like to thank the staff at the Guild and John Moores for their hard work to make this event happen, and congratulate Holly on her incredible achievement for our university. I hope that one day we won’t need to Reclaim the Night, but while we still do I am grateful I can do it with the support of my Students Union.

For more On Campus news, please click here: https://www.liverpoolguildstudentmedia.co.uk/category/on-campus/

Photo credits to the JMSU Instagram Account