2022 Plymouth VAWG Gala for Ending Violence Against Women

Ending Violence Against Women has been a cause on all our minds since the tragic loss of Bobbi-Anne McLeod in November of 2021. Across the city, we have seen the resilience of those involved in city wide protests, workshops, and vigils in their fight for change.

Six months on from the devastating news that rocked our city, a black-tie event will be held to honour Bobbi-Anne and her family. On Friday 27th May 2022, the city will come together once more to fundraise, celebrate the women of Plymouth, and reflect on the changes that need to happen to tackle violence against women and girls in the city.

With the backdrop of one of Plymouth’s most famous landmarks, Plymouth Argyle, the event will be a night full of glitz and glamour, with contributions from leading figures in the city. Performances by Plymouth-based artists will infuse the evening, including the Plymouth Patriots Cheerleaders, with fundraising efforts continuing throughout the event.

The night will raise funds and awareness for the Sunflower Centre and Trevi House, award-winning institutions in Plymouth, providing safe spaces for women in need of recovery, as well as First Light, a domestic abuse and sexual violence charity in the city. The event is being organised by women’s safety campaigners Mel Sevieri and Charlotte Holloway.

Mel Sevieri said: “Violence against women and girls is an ongoing, widespread issue. Women cannot go about their lives as most men do. This event will be a pinnacle point for women and men in the city to come together and show that this must end. This is about raising awareness, and respectfully educating those that are unaware of what we face every single day.”

Charlotte Holloway said: “Women from across Plymouth came together to organise a vigil on Plymouth Hoe after Bobbi-Anne’s murder, and we are coming together again, six months on, to celebrate Bobbi-Anne’s memory, raise awareness of ongoing violence against women and girls, and raise money for charity in the process.”

This event is open to everyone who has a passion to create change for the women of our city (18+). Tickets, £50 (including booking fee), will be available from International Women’s Day, Tuesday 8th March, through the following link: plymouthvawg2022.eventbrite.co.uk.

All profits from the event will go towards the Sunflower Centre, Trevi House and First Light, and their fantastic causes. The gala is supported by Plymouth Live, Plymouth Gossip Girls, Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, Plymouth City Patriots and Plymouth Argyle. Please contact plymouthvawg@gmail.com with any queries.