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Preston’s annual One Billion Rising dance event to raise awareness of violence against women and girls will return next month.
Held every year in February, One Billion Rising is a global event that brings people together to stand, sing and dance to demand an end to violence against women and girls. It is inspired by the startling statistic that one in three women across the planet will be beaten or raped during their lifetime and is marked by organisations around the world every year.
Preston’s free event, organised by the University of Lancashire’s Creative Communities Group (CCG), will take place in the University’s Preston Campus Students’ Union (SU) Atrium between 12pm and 2pm on Saturday 7 February. The event is free and open to all and doesn’t require booking.
The CCG has organised the Preston event for participants to join in the Break the Chain dance at the same time as other One Billion events around the globe. As in previous years, the dance event will be co-ordinated by Phil Kaila from Salsa Northwest.
Russell Hogarth, University of Lancashire Honorary Fellow, Community Ambassador and co-founder and chair of the Creative Communities Group, said: “We have been involved in this event, which is the biggest mass action in human history, since 2013 in a show of solidarity and support.
“The Preston gathering has grown in popularity every year and we hope that the 2026 event will be the biggest yet. Don’t worry you don’t have to dance, just come along to clap and support.”
The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Sue Whittam, said: “I am proud to stand with our city, our communities and the University of Lancashire to support this global campaign.
“This annual event is an important reminder that we must end violence against women and girls. I encourage everyone to get involved clap, sing, and dance for change on Saturday 7 February.”
The University’s SU Atrium is situated next to St Peter’s Arts Centre, with access behind 53 Degrees. There will be free parking across the Preston Campus.
This annual event is supported by the CCG’s One Billion Rising event partners – the University of Lancashire and Students’ Union, the School of Law and Policing, No Whispers CIC, the Certain Curtain Theatre Company and the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing.
For more information, email Russell Hogarth.
