News / Refugee
Bristol Refugee Festival set to return for 2023
A fortnight of vibrant events across multiple communities in Bristol will celebrate cultural diversity and the contribution of refugees to the city.
Bristol Refugee Festival 2023 will see people from across the city coming together for gatherings, music and dance performances, community cook-ups and more.
Running from June 12, the jam-packed annual celebration kicks off with a launch event at the Docklands Community Centre in St Paul’s on Monday evening, where there will be music, food, activities and a chance to learn more about the 2023’s programme and meet the team, ambassadors and partners.
is needed now More than ever
“We look forward to a diverse programme of events in June, including localised community-led gatherings as well as the return of our flagship Celebrating Sanctuary event in Queen Square,” said festival director Jules Olsen.
Bristol Refugee Festival will celebrate cultural diversity and the contribution of refugees to the city – photo: Bnar Sardar
The festival first launched in 2017 in response to requests from the many refugee and asylum seeker support agencies to coordinate a programme of events around National Refugee Week.
Each year since, it has grown and now coordinates a collaborative year-round programme of arts, cultural and educational events.
This year, the concert in Queen Square on June 25 will host a diverse lineup including Iranian singer Bahman Salahshour, Bristol’s refugee ensemble the Dovetail Orchestra, Mozambican rapper MoYah, the Bristol Griot Moussa Kouyate and more.
Other events to look out for include the popular Our City Community Cup football tournament which returns to Lockleaze on June 18, the launch of the graphic novel Escape to Safelandia, which investigates the UK asylum system, and Afghan Peace Fest.
Refugee Women of Bristol (RWB) will also be holding its annual, women-only dance event at Trinity Centre.
The festival’s ambassador team has assumed a pivotal role in coordinating this year’s celebrations, with ten volunteers from refugee and asylum backgrounds advising on the organisation of the events.
RWB is an organisation that targets the needs of refugee women in Bristol – illustration: Miss Magpie Fashion Spy
Ambassador Sherien Elsheik said: “I have fond memories of the last festival event held at Queen Square. It was a
fantastic event where people gathered to dance and enjoy delicious food while basking in the beautiful weather.
“The sight of so many people filled me with joy and a sense of belonging.
“This year, I look forward to seeing people from different cultures showcasing their unique clothing, dance styles and cuisine. It will be wonderful to witness individuals of diverse religions, cultures and backgrounds joyfully dancing together.”
For more information, visit www.bristolrefugeefestival.org/events
Main photo: Bnar Sardar
Read next:
- The lifeline group for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers
- The Bristol women supporting refugees and asylum seekers
- Festival of Nature returns to Bristol for its 20th year
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