News / Bristol Refugee Festival
Bristol Refugee Festival needs support to raise £15,000
The only festival in the South West curated by and for refugees is crowdfunding to keep its programme free, inclusive and accessible.
More than just a celebration, the annual Bristol Refugee Festival (BRF) plays a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and helping those who have settled in the city integrate into communities.
But, amid rising costs, organisers are seeking support to continue this work and ensure they can carry on making a difference to people’s lives.
is needed now More than ever
Established in 2017, the festival takes place over two weeks and brings a packed programme of music, food, culture and sports that celebrate the skills and contributions of refugees.
Last year’s event saw more than 6,000 people take part, including nearly 1,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
“Bristol is a city with its heart in the community, and the people living in it,” says Diego Pena, a refugee writer and photographer.
“Bristol Refugee Festival embraces cultural diversity, giving people from different backgrounds the opportunity to be part of something big just by expressing themselves and doing whatever they love doing.
“I’ve seen people going through really bad times, children having to learn before time how to keep moving forward, and adults breaking because they have endured too much already. BRF is a fresh blow of air, saying to them ‘we will cry together, and we will smile again together.’”
The festival’s flagship event takes place in Queen Square, which is expected to see thousands gather to enjoy a day of family activities, food, music, and refugee performers.
Bristol Refugee Festival (BRF) plays a vital role in creating a sense of belonging and helping those who have settled in the city integrate into its communities – photo: Diego Pena
Celebrating Sanctuary events across Bristol in previous years have included a community picnic in Knowle West, women’s crafts at the Arnolfini, a Page Park fun day and the annual Our City Community Cup football tournament in Lockleaze.
Joel Zuniga, a BRF ambassador who fled political unrest in Nicaragua and organised the festival’s first Latin American event in 2022, says: “Bristol Refugee Festival is special because it promotes inclusion, equality and creates welcoming spaces for everyone. It is important because all the different communities can express their culture through customs, food, music, dance – this is special because it is an expression by refugees and asylum seekers. It creates a sense of belonging and helps us to integrate.”
Donations could contribute to transport for refugees and asylum seekers to attend an event, or a meal when they arrive; a fair fee for a refugee musician to perform or training for BRF’s refugee ambassadors.
Festival director Jules Olsen adds: “Our festival programme is a huge collective effort and brings much joy each year. But as costs rise, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to fund activities and ensure that the people who need our help most can lead and participate in the programme.
“We strongly believe in the right for everyone to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. Donations will enable us to help refugees and asylum seekers build vital community connections and feel welcome and able to become active community members.”
Find out more and donate via: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/celebrating-culture-strengthening-community
Main photo: Diego Pena
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