Women Assemble

In some parts of the country, the visible rise of full face coverings associated with Islam is one indicator of a wider cultural shift that affects women’s presence, visibility, and confidence in public space. This is not about a single garment alone, but about the erosion of women’s freedoms we can see across the world in places such as Iran and Afghanistan, where women have been steadily pushed out of public life. We know it will take courage for women to join us, especially in areas where social pressure and male entitlement have made public space feel unwelcoming. But history is clear: freedoms are not lost overnight, they are surrendered through silence, caution, and apathy. This gathering is a statement that women will be bold, visible, and unafraid, and that the Islamification of public space must not be allowed to take root anywhere in the United Kingdom.

⚠️ A note on safety and attendance

As many of you know, this is a contentious issue and one that many people have not yet had the opportunity to think about or discuss openly. We understand that attending an event like this can feel daunting, and we appreciate every woman who chooses to stand with us.

We are aware that organised protests are expected from groups opposed to our meeting and our right to speak publicly. As a result, we would encourage attendees to think carefully about their travel arrangements, arrival and departure from the event, and to be mindful of what they wear or carry if they have concerns about being identified while travelling to or from the venue.

We have worked closely with the police in planning this event and have taken a number of steps to make it as safe as possible for attendees. Our chosen location provides shade, access to facilities and clear routes for entry and exit if required.

Whilst we hope for a peaceful and successful event, the safety of attendees will always come first. If, at any point, organisers or the police believe conditions have become unsafe, we reserve the right to end the event early and head to a nearby pub.

We also recognise that our numbers may be smaller than those of those who oppose us. That has often been the case at events such as these. Nevertheless, every woman who attends contributes to ensuring that women's voices continue to be heard in public spaces.

Thank you for your support, your courage and your understanding.

☀️ HOT WEATHER ADVICE FOR ATTENDEES ☀️

The forecast is for very warm weather, so please come prepared to look after yourself and those around you.

We have deliberately chosen an area with plenty of trees and shade, and we will be close to public toilets, but we would still encourage everyone to come prepared for spending several hours outdoors.

Please consider bringing:

💧 Plenty of water to stay hydrated

👒 A sun hat or cap

☂️ An umbrella for additional shade if you wish

🧴 Sun cream (preferably SPF 30+) and reapply regularly

🕶️ Sunglasses

🪑 A folding chair or picnic blanket if you would like somewhere comfortable to sit

Please wear light, comfortable clothing and make use of the shaded areas throughout the day.

If you begin to feel dizzy, faint, unwell or overheated, please speak to one of our stewards or organisers immediately.

We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable and comfortable day, so please take the weather into account and plan accordingly.

We look forward to seeing you all.

In some parts of the country, the visible rise of full face coverings associated with Islam is one indicator of a wider cultural shift that affects women’s presence, visibility, and confidence in public space. This is not about a single garment alone, but about the erosion of women’s freedoms we can see across the world in places such as Iran and Afghanistan, where women have been steadily pushed out of public life. We know it will take courage for women to join us, especially in areas where social pressure and male entitlement have made public space feel unwelcoming. But history is clear: freedoms are not lost overnight, they are surrendered through silence, caution, and apathy. This gathering is a statement that women will be bold, visible, and unafraid, and that the Islamification of public space must not be allowed to take root anywhere in the United Kingdom.