One Billion Rising Returns for 2026 - How much time do we have?

Jan, 15 2026

Time. We are all governed by it some way or the other. There are 365 days in a year, 52 weeks in a year. Four seasons – 1 year. 60 seconds in a minute, 60 minutes in an hour. With all these statistics taking place there is prevalent violence against women and girls happening right now.

You may ask yourself what has been or been done about it? For the next 3 minutes and 34 seconds the following video will answer the question – What is One Billion Rising? –

Locally, Preston will be hosting the annual One Billion Rising dance event organised by UCLAN’s Creative Communities Group on Saturday 7th February – 12noon till 2pm at the University’s Preston Campus Students’ Union (SU) Atrium. The event is free to attend, open to all and booking is not required.

The One Billion Rising for Justice (VDay) campaign 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.

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.

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.”

As demonstrated in the video there is dance involvement and professional Salsa Northwest expert Phil Kaila will be directing the participants.

“Don't worry you don't have to dance, just come along to clap and support”, added Russell.

Contributions have also come in from the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Sue Whittam who represents a pillar of strength in the city and drops a little persuasion for those nervous about getting involved,

 “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 church on Campus, with access behind the 53° Degrees venue. There will be free parking across the Preston Campus.

This annual event is support 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.

In the time it’s taken you to read this a woman or girl may have been violently abused. Let us all unite on Saturday 7th February 2026 – 12noon – 2pm. Why? Because time is clearly running out………

^Alex Ashworth CCG Content Creator