Refugee Week, the UK’s largest festival celebrating the contribution of refugees, will take place between 15 and 21 June 2020. Refugee Week 2020, which has the theme ‘Imagine’, will be the first time the week has been held as a virtual festival.
For over two decades, Refugee Week has brought together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and the welcome offered to them by British communities, and this year is no exception. Through a programme of online performances and interactive activities, the festival’s digital edition invites audiences to connect across difference and distance, and, together, imagine a better world.
Here in Calderdale, Refugee Week is led by the Valley of Sanctuary, a growing network of local groups, businesses and organisations who have come together to make our borough a place of welcome and hospitality for all, especially for refugees seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. Part of the UK-wide City of Sanctuary movement, Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary and its members will be actively joining in with Refugee Week next week through events and social media, including:
- To launch Refugee Week 2020 in Calderdale, Leila’s Kitchen and Together We Grow will be preparing a 2-course Iranian takeaway. Already sold out, the menu will provide a taster of different cuisine. Throughout Refugee Week, St Augustine’s Centre will also be sharing delicious recipes from around the world and information about the broad family of refugees and asylum seekers they support.
- HERE I AM project – Led by local organisation Artworks, HERE I AM features creative work by many Calderdale residents, including asylum seekers and refugees. The work will be virtually showcased on social media as part of Refugee Week.
- On Saturday 20th at 2pm, watch a live improvisation from the Piece Hall by Stand and Be Counted…
- 8 simple acts – Each day, Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary will share simple ways to get involved and support Refugee Week 2020, including book and film recommendations.
More information about each can be found on the Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary social media accounts throughout the week.
Facebook – Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary
Twitter – @calderdaleVoS
Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary is free to join as a member. Membership is open to both organisations and individuals who hold the vision that our nations will be welcoming places of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
For more information about becoming a member, please visit calderdale.cityofsanctuary.org
stayingwellhub.com 