Since its inception in 1998, Refugee Week has brought millions of people together through a vibrant programme of arts, cultures, sports, and educational events. These initiatives, alongside media and creative campaigns, aim to connect people from different backgrounds beyond labels, as well as encourage understanding of why people are displaced, and the challenges they face when seeking safety.
As an umbrella festival, Refugee Week invites everyone to get involved by hosting or joining events and activities. Across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland, hundreds of events will take place, showcasing the spirit of compassion and unity that permeates all four nations of the UK.
The Refugee Week 2023 calendar features a rich tapestry of powerful initiatives and collaborations happening outside of London, in major cities and regional locations, including the following highlights:
NORTH EAST/WEST
Lancaster
Home? Knowledge Exchange Event in Lancaster
Newcastle
Merseyside
Leeds
St Helens
Football matches // Hope United v Community Allstars // Comfort Angles v Community Allstars
SOUTH EAST/WEST
Dorset
BEAF 2023 presents For Clara at Studio Roost
BEAF 2023 presents Stateless by Joli Vyann
Oxford
‘Museum of Us’ Refugee Week exhibition
Hastings
Winchester
MAKE MUSIC DAY: N’FAMADY KOUYATÉ + CENTER OF MASS
Margate
Luton
IRC’s Healing Classrooms Conference in Luton
Harwich
The KINDNESS Festival for Refugee Week, Harwich
South Downs
Seven Sisters Trek – Breadwinners Refugee Week Challenge!
MIDLANDS
Birmingham
“You can see me, but I don’t exist” Exhibition of Photography and Writing
Peterborough
Loughborough
WALES
Cardiff
NORTHERN IRELAND
Newtownabbey
Storytime for children – Rathcoole Library
SCOTLAND
Edinburgh