Charity to light up Melksham in push for night time safety
FearFree's "free the Night" promotes night-time safety and community allyship
A Wiltshire charity is to continue its push to improve night time safety with a march through Melksham for International Women's Day.
FearFree is to hold its second "Free the Night" event to promote night-time safety and raise awareness around related issues in a community-driven event.
Justin Horton, head of income generation for the charity, stresses the importance of fostering a culture where everyone feels safe after dark, whether heading home from work or simply carrying out daily activities.
Justin said: "Safety after dark should be an everyday right, not a luxury."
He added that the organisation often hears from women about how they feel the need to change their behaviours when out after dark, with some feeling the need to pretend to be on the phone, or changing their running route.
Building on first edition success
Following its successful first even in Trowbridge last year, Free the Night II will light up Melksham on 6th March 2026 with glow sticks, music, and engaging activities, carrying a serious message in a fun, accessible environment.
The event aims to emphasize that safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement or infrastructure but a communal commitment through awareness, culture, and collective action.
Justin said the event is open to everyone to join, with the promoting allyship and encouraging men, women, and families to stand united against domestic abuse and stalking as a shared responsibility.
Horton said: "It's everyone's responsibility, men, women and families, to ensure that domestic abuse and stalking is challenged and brought out into the open. It's not just a personal issue, it's a community responsibility and that's what allyship means to us."
Participants and observers alike are invited to engage with the message, helping to spotlight issues surrounding safety and allyship while enjoying the festivities.
The event is free to sign up for and Justin said there has already been dozens of sign ups. We can also sign up here.