One Billion Rising Reflection 2025

Mar, 9 2025

Whilst a portion of us were receiving romantic cards and taking our better half out for lunch, something quite incredible was happening at the University of Central Lancashire campus in the Student Union Atrium –Preston.

Built on an alarming statistic and with the unified body of people made up of women and men – One Billion  Rising has been a staplepoint in the creative calendar for the CCG for 10 years plus and this year proved to be one of it’s most successful.

This annual event would not have been possible without the wonderful support from our One Billion Rising event partners, the University of Central Lancashire and the Student Union, the School of Law, Policing and Criminal Justice, No Whispers CIC, the Certain Curtain Theatre Company and the Safe Centre [Royal Preston Hospital]

And as in previous years, the dance event was co-ordinated by Phil Kaila Salsa Northwest who successfully choreographed a team of people who came out defiant to stand up to the violence women and girls have been the victims of  in a 4 minute display of power, passion and togetherness.

Let’s remind ourselves how graceful everybody looked –

A special thank you to the VIP guest the Mayor of Preston Councillor Phil Crowe who expressed his appreciation for those involved –

‘I’d like to thank Russell Hogarth and the members of his Creative Communities Group for inviting me to the University of Central Lancashire to take part in today’s one billion rising event, to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. I would also like to thank Russell and his colleagues for organising this annual event that they have held in the City of Preston for over 10 years now. Keep up the good work and as Mayor of Preston can I thank you for raising awareness of these important issues that affects society today and for making a positive difference in our local community.’

There was also praise from Helen Bingley OBE JP DL The High Sheriff of Lancashire

“As High Sheriff of Lancashire 2024 to 2025,I would like to give a very loud ‘shout out’ to the Creative Communities Group One Billion Rising mass action to end violence against women and girls in their call to action based on the statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population at approximately 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS.”

Russell Hogarth University of Central Lancashire Honorary Fellow, Community Ambassador, Chair Creative Communities Group UK expressed his joy in response to this year’s event-

‘Thank you to everybody involved for making this one of our most successful one billion rising events that we have held in Preston, without your support and hard work none of this would be possible. Looking forward to seeing you all next year and keep dancing’.

The University of Central Lancashire Creative Communities Group UK [CCGUK] delivers on it’s promise - to empower people, locally, nationally and internationally for positive change through lifelong learning and active citizenship.

The CCGUK focuses on visual and performing arts, great stories and narratives to inspire others to ‘make a difference’.

Throughout the year members raise awareness of important issues and inspire others to get involved in the common good. It’s events like the 1 Billion Rising campaign that gives a good template for a glowing website that attracts more members who wish to find something creative in their lives. Established in 2012 the CCGUK now has over 400 national and international members.

The CCG has had the same longevity as the 1 Billion Rising making it one it’s most characteristic events that define it’s legacy and has given a positive platform for women and girls who have suffered abuse in their lives. Long may it continue.

^Alex Ashworth CCG Art Blogger