THE Forest of Dean District Council says it is proud to support next month’s Reclaim the Night event in Cinderford, which aims to raise awareness of violence against women.

Reclaim the Night 2026 will take place on Friday, November 27, and participants will gather in the Triangle from 6pm, before setting off on a march at 6.30pm.

The route is approximately half a mile long and will take walkers through the town centre before returning to the Triangle.

The march highlights a simple but powerful principle: women should be able to go about their daily lives, at any time of day or night, free from fear, harassment and violence.

Cllr Jackie Dale, Cabinet Member for Communities at Forest of Dean District Council, said: "Reclaim the Night is an important opportunity for our community to stand together and make it clear that violence, harassment and abuse against women and girls will not be tolerated.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community, whether they are walking home, travelling to work or simply going about their daily lives. By supporting this event, we are showing solidarity with survivors and reaffirming our commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities across the Forest of Dean.

“We are incredibly proud to work with partners on hosting this year's march, and I encourage residents to join us in Cinderford and be part of a powerful collective message that violence against women and girls has no place in our district, or across the world."

The event comes as part of the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. The annual campaign runs from November 25 to December 10.

Reclaim The Night is led by Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre and organised in partnership with Forest of Dean District Council. It is open to everyone who wishes to support the campaign, and participants are welcome to bring placards or simply attend and walk alongside others in solidarity.

As a survivor-centred event, organisers are asking attendees not to live-stream the march or photograph participants without their explicit consent, helping to ensure the event remains a safe and supportive space for all.

Chair of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Forum, Cllr Di Martin added: "Creating safe, welcoming communities is everyone's responsibility. Events such as Reclaim the Night help start important conversations, encourage people to stand together, and reinforce the message that harassment and violence are never acceptable.

“We hope residents in Cinderford and across the Forest come out to support the march and demonstrate their commitment to making the Forest of Dean a place where everyone feels safe and valued."

Stewards, first aiders, police representatives, and support services will be present throughout the evening, with indoor safe spaces and refreshments available.

Further information about the march, including the route, parking details and how to participate can be found on the council’s website.