Refugee Festival Scotland is back and everyone is invited
Refugee Festival Scotland has announced an exciting line-up of events sharing the stories of people and communities who have settled in Scotland. Including a whole host of events in Glasgow’s Southside, including Govanhill and the surrounding areas.
Photo by Jamie Simpson
In a year marked by terrible conflicts forcing millions from their homes, Refugee Festival Scotland aims to bring people together in friendship and solidarity. The years festival, themed "RISE" aims to honour the resilience of those rebuilding their lives in Scotland, and will host more than 130 events across the country from June 14-23. This diverse program is the largest ever and features contributions from artists and performers who sought refugee protection in Scotland, along with the communities that have welcomed them.
Refugee Festival Scotland offers something for everyone, from music and dance to DJs and drag queens, food and drink, football tournaments, and family-friendly picnics. The line-up encourages people from different backgrounds and cultures to meet, mix, and get to know each other better.
Scottish Refugee Council Chief Executive Sabir Zazai emphasised the importance of the festival, saying, “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."
He added, “The festival is an opportunity to come together, 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.”
As part of the festival, Greater Govanhill has been hosting radio skills workshops with refugees and asylum seekers. Participants will showcase their new skills by presenting a live radio show themed "RISE" on Radio Buena Vida on June 20 from 1 pm-2 pm and will be available to listen here.
In addition to the radio show, a variety of other events will also be taking place in Govanhill and the surrounding area.
Come Fly with Me – Kite making workshop
When: 15 June 2024, 10am – 12pm
Where: MILK, 452 Victoria Road, Glasgow, G42 8YU
Kite making wokrshop in solidarity with all children who have been forcibly displaced from their homes, from Gaza to Sudan to Ukraine to Yemen.
When: 21 June 2024, 2pm – 4pm
Where: The Wee Retreat, 2 Myrtle Park, Glasgow, G42 8QU
Storytelling workshop through collaborative artwork.
Building Together - Community in Construction
When: 15 June 2024, 10am – 4pm
Where: Top Drawer Construction, 2 Hollybrook Place. Govanhill. Glasgow G427HB
Woodworking skills workshop where you will learn to make items to be installed in the local community.
When: 20 June 2024, 4am – 6pm
Where: Hidden Gardens 25a Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE
An afternoon of food, music, entertainment, art exhibition, interactive games and activities and more, promoting the work of projects that support refugees and asylum seekers across 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 a 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.”
Elina, a Refugee Festival Scotland ambassador who travelled from Ukraine to Scotland, said: “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.”