Banbury women turn up the lights — and raise their voices
Flashing tutus, purple landmarks and a whole lot of cake: Banbury’s women came together to make a serious point with a smile.
Whether in the early hours or late in the evening, there is something exhilarating about running in the dark. When you’re surrounded by dozens of like-minded women, all lit up and ready to go, the experience becomes something truly special. Add a few flashing tutus, plenty of laughter and a town dressed in purple, and you have the recipe for a memorable Let’s Lift the Curfew event!
A huge well done to all the ladies who took part in the fourth annual event — more than double the number who joined the event last year!
Behind the fun and the flashing lights lies a serious message.
Through events like this, This Girl Can continues to raise awareness of an important issue: no woman should have to change where, when or how she gets active because of safety concerns, particularly during the darker months. Every woman deserves to feel safe, confident and free to enjoy the activity she loves.
Starting and finishing at Woodgreen Leisure Centre, whose team kindly welcomed the runners before and after the event, the evening began with a motivating briefing from Coach Ruth of 261 Fearless Club Banbury.
Then, with lights switched on and spirits high, the colourful procession set off towards Bloxham Road. Passing motorists responded with supportive toots of their horns — a welcome soundtrack to the long, glittering trail of women in flashing tutus!
The route continued down Horse Fair towards the Fine Lady Statue at Banbury Cross, which had been illuminated in the iconic purple of 261 Fearless Club for the occasion. Naturally, this was the perfect excuse to regroup and take approximately a zillion photographs before moving on.
The High Street provided another highlight, with the Town Hall also glowing purple and obligingly joining the growing collection of photographic backdrops. Some landmarks simply cannot resist a photo opportunity!
On the way back, via Parsons Street, the ladies surprised a few diners at the pizzeria, exchanging waves with those enjoying their evening meals. Crossing Horse Fair was made easier and safer thanks to the patience and courtesy of passing motorists.
The procession then continued along Warwick Road and Orchard Way, where the ladies supported one another up Banbury’s two famously deceptive “uphill flats” — those stretches of road that look perfectly innocent until your legs have something to say about them!
Whether running or walking, everyone had a place in the group, and nobody was left to tackle the route alone. 261 Fearless Club Banbury coaches had planned an enjoyable route around town for runners and walkers alike, and helped keep everyone safe throughout the procession — at the front, the back and everywhere in between.
Of course, no successful running event would be complete without refreshments. A sumptuous spread of homemade cakes, biscuits and cinnamon swirls awaited the participants at the finish.
Conversations flowed, laughter filled the room and the evening ended just as it had begun: with a wonderful sense of togetherness. There was also a powerful sense of pride. Pride in being part of a community, pride in supporting one another and pride in standing up for something that matters.
Because sometimes, the best way to make yourself heard is to turn on your lights, pull on your brightest tutu and head out together.
Seventy-six women lit up Banbury. The message was clear: women have every right to be seen, to be heard and to be active — wherever and whenever they choose.