This year’s Refugee Festival Scotland programme is out now with 130 events taking place across the country!
Everyone is invited to join our celebration of art, culture and community. This year’s festival runs from 14-23 June. Over ten days, more than 130 mostly free events will take place in communities across Scotland, from the Borders to the Highlands.
Take a look at the programme listings to find out what’s on near you.
In a year of terrible conflicts that have seen millions around the world forced from their homes, Refugee Festival Scotland will bring people from different backgrounds together in friendship and solidarity.
The theme of this year’s festival is Rise, in honour of those who have been forced to flee their homes rising above challenges and uncertainty to rebuild their lives in Scotland. This courage, strength and resilience is our inspiration.
Scottish Refugee Council Chief Executive, Sabir Zazai said: “The last year has been incredibly tough for people in the refugee community. It’s important to make time for moments of joy, connect with one another and revel in not only what we have in common but also what makes us all unique.
“The festival is an opportunity to come together and share stories, celebrate each other’s culture and learn more about our new neighbours. Together, we can rise above the hostile environment and find strength in our communities.”
Elina, a Refugee Festival Scotland ambassador who travelled from Ukraine to Scotland, added: “We are spreading a message that anyone can rise out of any circumstances they have faced in their own life since unfortunately most refugees experience the worst things that can happen to any human. We can share our experience to inspire other people too.”
Something for everyone
Refugee Festival Scotland has something for everyone, from community meals and traditional dance performances to DJs and drag queens, football tournaments and exclusive screenings with world-class, award-winning filmmakers.
The line-up brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together to meet, mix and get to know each other better. It is an opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy the music, dance, food, art, language and ideas that people bring with them when they settle in Scotland.
Refugee Festival Scotland Manager, Mónica Laiseca said: “Packed with unique events and exceptional talent, the festival honours the resilience and courage of New Scots and celebrates a vision for Scotland where everyone can blossom and has equal opportunity to thrive.
“At a particularly dire time for refugees and asylum seekers living in our communities, our festival puts forward an empowering message of welcome and makes visible the support that is overwhelmingly present and active across Scottish society.”