One Billion Rising 10th Year.

One Billion Rising 10th Year.

Feb, 23 2024


There are two words that are the absolute polar opposites of each other. Violence spells hate and Valentine equals love.

Violence is the enemy, leads to broken relationships and is one letter short of a nine spelling word.

Valentine blossoms deep interaction, results in marriage and is one letter short of a ten spelling word.

For the past ten years The Creative Communities Group has been raising awareness of violence against women and children on a day usually spent with our loved ones – Valentine’s Day.

Russell Hogarth, Creative Communities Group Chair, explained the significance of the event and what actually takes place,

 “On 14 February each year, in the centre of Preston, we stand together in solidarity to raise awareness of the one billion and rising violent attacks against women and children.

The Creative Communities Group first brought this event to Lancashire ten years ago and have held it at the University of Central Lancashire and in the very heart of our community.

“This year we held the event alongside our partners Salsa Northwest from Bamber Bridge. The one billion rising dance routine was again co-ordinated by Salsa Dance champion Phil Kaila and his Salsa Northwest dancers.

 We also had additional support from Feixia Yu from the UCLAN Confucius Institute and our university staff and honorary fellows.”

Take a look at those who participated in this year’s dance by watching the video below-

The Mayor of Preston, Councillor Yakub Patel, was also in attendance.

Councillor Patel reminded us why we were there, the impact the event has had and his overall appreciation,

“It is so important to continue to remind people of the horrific attacks against women and children that take place every day across the world.

I am grateful to Russell and the UCLAN Creative Communities Group for bringing this awareness event to Preston over ten years ago both at the University and out in our communities – it has made such a positive difference.

I would also like to commend Feixia Yu and her colleagues at the UCLAN  Confucius Institute for their support and the wonderful fan dance, in particular. I am very much looking forward to joining Creative Communities again next year.”

To find out more about one billion rising, their past events and future ones, simply visit the following website link -

https://www.onebillionrising.org/about/campaign/one-billion-rising/

Together, change is possible.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger