Merseyside PCC proudly supports return of Savera UK’s “March to End HBA"
07.07.26 - Merseyside
Savera UK’s “March to End HBA” and free “Festival of Culture” is set to return to Liverpool on Saturday 29th August, after a successful event in 2025.
The Merseyside-based charity, which helps people affected by ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices including forced marriage, conversion ‘therapy’ and spiritual abuse, will bring back the theme of its inaugural festival ‘Culture is Beautiful: No Excuse for Abuse’ for the 2026 event, supporting its ongoing mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.
Katumba Drumming and Movement will once again lead the annual awareness-raising “March to End HBA” from Williamson Square to the Bombed-Out Church, joined by renowned percussionist Felix Ngindu and The Dancing Queens, the award-winning intergenerational dance, wellbeing and carnival collective of the Black Women's Health Forum, artistically directed by Ithalia Johnson.
Afrah Qassim, Savera UK CEO and Founder, said: “Our vision for the march and festival has always been an annual event that returns to the city each year to celebrate our fantastic, diverse community, to share our different cultures and to take a stand against abuse and division that causes harm. We are always stronger together.
“The awareness-raising March is central to that vision, a powerful display of solidarity against forms of abuse which are not a part of any culture or faith but are simply human rights violations.
“Our annual march started in 2022, when a small group of us marched together from the Bombed Out Church down Bold Street. Last year, the march directly engaged more than 1,000 people, with more than 100 marching and many hundreds more spectating. Our message is spreading; awareness is increasing and that means more people understand what HBA and harmful practices are and where they can get help.
“We are grateful to once again have the support of Merseyside PCC, Emily Spurrell, who has stood shoulder to shoulder with us at the march each year, and who has been a longstanding and vital partner in our mission to end HBA and harmful practices for good.”
The 2026 “March to End HBA” is supported by Merseyside PCC.
Speaking of the march, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “It’s great to see the Savera UK March continue to grow in strength and impact each year. It stands as a powerful statement of unity across Merseyside, bringing together communities, partners and survivors to say with one voice that ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices have no place in our society.
“This march is not only about raising awareness but about empowering those affected to know they are not alone, while shining a light on the vital and life-changing work delivered by Savera UK.
“Addressing ‘honour’-based abuse remains a key commitment within our Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan and I’m proud to fund Savera UK as part of my Victim Care Merseyside service. We are working hard to improve understanding, strengthen partnerships and ensure that anyone affected can access the right support without fear or barriers.
“I am proud to support Savera UK and our communities at this important event. Together, we are sending a clear message that abuse will never be tolerated, and that we will continue striving for a safer, more inclusive Merseyside for everyone.”
The march will process through the city centre, ending at the Bombed Out Church ahead of an afternoon of uplifting performances from diverse local groups showcasing music, dance and activities from a wide range of cultures, with acts to be announced in coming weeks.
As well as performances, there will also be craft activities for children, food stalls, henna painting, stands hosted by local businesses and support services including Savera UK, and a raffle and prize draw to raise money for the charity.
Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the march and festival over the course of the day, and with the event taking place over the bank holiday weekend, this year’s event is expected to be even bigger.
Festival sponsors include Thornley Leisure, Merseyrail and Auteur Media and Performance Supporters are Morecrofts and MSB Solicitors. The event will be delivered in partnership with Zonta UK, part of Zonta International, who established the March to end HBA with Savera UK in 2022, and venue partner, St Luke’s Bombed Out Church.
Dianne Jeans, Zonta UK Area Director, said: “Zonta UK is proud to be partnering with Savera for the fifth year to raise awareness of HBA and harmful practices. Zontians are travelling from London, from Scotland and from Ireland to join the march on Saturday 29th August.
“Zonta is an international organisation which works with the UN globally to address all forms of violence against women. Violence against women and girls remains the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violation in the world. In many societies it is an unfortunate daily experience for women and girls.
“In the UK it is being called a national emergency. Violence is happening at all levels, in all areas of our society. The time for all of us to act - men and women together is now.”