This year’s Refugee Festival Scotland programme of events includes a number in North Lanarkshire.
And whatever the weather people can expect a warm welcome and a programme of colourful events showcasing refugee arts and culture.
This year’s festival runs from June 17 to 26 and has something for everyone. It includes live music, dance, art exhibitions, film screenings, football tournaments and family-friendly picnics.
Refugee Festival Scotland aims to bring people from different backgrounds together to celebrate the many ways refugees contribute to life in Scotland. This year’s theme is storytelling in all its forms – from music, dance, theatre and film to visual art, cookery and conversation.
Jerviston community centre will be hosting an event titled; My Experience Your Knowledge on Saturday, June 18, from 2pm to 6pm.
African Collaboration Group is holding a celebration of food and storytelling at the event at the venue in Motherwell’s Coalhall Avenue, led by refugees from the local community.
Many African cultures have a strong storytelling tradition when history and heritage is passed down to the younger generations. Stories are often shared when communities gather round the fire while food is being prepared.
You can join the fun by gathering around a barbeque and bonfire for an afternoon of delicious food and traditional African storytelling.
Also in North Lanarkshire, a family friendly event led by Scottish school children and their new classmates will take place at Stepps Cultural Centre on Wednesday, June 22, from 12.30-2.30pm . You can join them for a fun-filled afternoon of games, storytelling and food. Contact Ubuntu Scotland at hello@ubuntuscotland.com or message on Facebook.
The diverse programme of events also includes contributions from artists and performers who came to North Lanarkshire seeking refugee protection and the communities that have welcomed them.
Scottish Refugee Council Chief Executive, Sabir Zazai said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is an opportunity to celebrate the positive difference that refugees make to our communities and the warm welcome that Scotland has always offered to people seeking sanctuary. Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to celebrate diversity and share the stories of people who have made Scotland their home.
“This has been a year of terrible stories. War in Ukraine, unrest in Afghanistan, families stranded and separated by bureaucracy, Rwandan detention centres and people left with no option but to risk their lives on dangerous journeys in a desperate bid to reach a place of safety. But there are other, happier stories, and these are the ones that Refugee Festival Scotland aims to tell.
"Stories of friendship, resilience, hope and new beginnings. So please join us for this exciting programme of events, make new friends, have fun, and show the world that Scotland welcomes refugees.”
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Details of the 2022 festival programme at: refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
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