V-Day Byron Bay: Breaking the Chain Together at Sunrise
By Kate Love
At sunrise on Valentine’s Day in Byron Bay, something quietly powerful happens.
Each year on V-Day, locals and visitors gather on the grass at Main Beach to dance Break the Chain - a global movement calling for an end to violence against women and children. It’s simple, early and deeply moving.
At this event, there’s something profound about standing together as the sun comes up - barefoot, dressed in red, moving in unison with people of all ages. Some know the steps, many don’t. It doesn’t matter. What matters is showing up, being seen and being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Break the Chain is part of One Billion Rising, the worldwide campaign that mobilises communities to rise against gender-based violence. In Byron Bay, the gathering feels both gentle and defiant - a reminder that collective action doesn’t always need a stage or a microphone. Sometimes it begins with bodies moving together, quietly saying: enough.
Men are warmly welcomed as supporters, and after the dance, many of us head straight into the ocean for a morning swim - an informal ritual of release, connection and solidarity. You can join in however feels right for you. Swim, dance, watch, stand - all are welcome.
No dance experience is needed, and the steps are optional. Volunteer dancers lead from the front, but the real power is in the shared intention: community, presence and resistance through joy.
If you’ve never attended before, this is one of those Byron moments that stays with you. If you’ve been before, you’ll know why people return year after year.
V-Day Byron Bay – Break the Chain
What: V-Day Byron Bay – Break the Chain
When: Gather from 6.30am, dance at 7.00am
Where: Grassy area, Main Beach, Byron Bay
Cost: Free
Who: Everyone welcome (men encouraged as supporters)
Join the global One Billion Rising movement with a sunrise Break the Chain dance to stand against violence towards women and children. Wear red, bring a friend and move together in solidarity. After the dance, participants are invited to join an optional morning ocean swim.
No dance experience required. Follow along or simply be present - the energy of community is what matters.
Practice video (optional).
Wear red. Rise together.