Taking a stand against domestic abuse, Chester Women's Aid will host a community gathering in the heart of Chester for White Ribbon Day this Sunday 24 November.

Attendees will experience a day of live music, performances and community-led actions dedicated to ending violence against women. 

This year's event is packed with performances from local choirs and groups, including the spirited Karamba Samba band, the renowned Handbag of Harmonies, Proud Mary's choir, and other local performers, such as Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, who will bring Eastgate Street to life with music and dance.

Chester Women's Aid aims to unite residents, local organisations and supporters in raising awareness and pledging support for a future free from domestic abuse.

In addition to music and performances, visitors can engage with various local charities and organisations dedicated to supporting women and victims of domestic abuse.

Chester Women's Aid has also partnered with the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service which will display a 25-metre white ribbon on their high unit fire engine to symbolise solidarity and raise awareness (Image via: Chester Women's Aid)

Rachel Lewis, Chair of Chester Women's Aid, said: "By having local people coming together, we can make a powerful impact on such an important issue and hopefully build a safer future for women and girls.

"It's a really good opportunity for people in Chester to come together, raise awareness and take a stand against domestic abuse.

"The event takes a lot of dedication, and the people on the committee have worked really hard to make it happen.

"White Ribbon Day itself is meant to be about men coming together and seeing how they can challenge certain cultural norms and behaviours. Some behaviours and words can seem harmless, but normalising them can ignore the short and long term effects on women and girls and then lead to more extreme violence.

"The day is to try and change the cultures that lead to violence against women. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from fear and abuse."

Volunteers will be collecting donations throughout the event to fund Chester Women's Aid programmes (Image via: Chester Women's Aid)

Attendees can also make pledges to support an end to violence against women, tying white ribbons on the Chester Cathedral railings in a powerful show of community commitment. Free white ribbon lapel pins and informational resources on domestic abuse will be available to all attendees.

The event will take place from 11am to 3pm on Eastgate Street, Chester between St. Werburgh's Street and The Cross on Sunday 24 November. 

You can find the Chester Women's Aid website here.