Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 22 May 2024 12:40
In a year of terrible conflicts that’s seen millions of people around the world forced from their homes, the festival brings together people from different backgrounds in friendship and solidarity. The theme of this year’s festival is RISE, to honour the resilience of people who are rebuilding their lives in safety in Scotland.
More than 130 events will take place across Scotland from 14-23 June. The diverse programme - our largest ever - includes contributions from artists and performers who came to Scotland seeking refugee protection, along with the communities that have welcomed them.
Refugee Festival Scotland has something for everyone, from music and dance, DJs and drag queens, food and drink, football tournaments and family-friendly picnics. The line-up brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together to meet, mix and get to know each other better.
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.”
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.”
Highlights include a collaboration between the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Refugee Festival Scotland to stage a special family-friendly concert celebrating the power of a good song. Three Glasgow-based community choirs will perform their most-loved songs accompanied by an 18-piece ensemble from the RSNO. - Raising Voices - Refugee Festival Scotland
Get Wild in Dundee! The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will be hosting interactive nature sessions marking the return of the white-tailed eagle to Scotland. How It Felt will then host puppet-making workshops where families can create their own eagles.
Hope Busák, Wild Dundee Project Manager at RSPB, said: “This year, RSPB Scotland’s ‘Wild Dundee’ initiative focuses on white-tailed eagles, showcasing nature's resilience and the importance of connecting to the environment wherever we are.” - Resilience in Flight with White-tailed Eagles - Refugee Festival Scotland
Pitlochry Festival Theatre will be embracing positive vibes with a day of Light Hope and Joy. Deborah Dickinson, producer at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming New Scots and Scots to the Theatre to enjoy arts activities in the beautiful Scottish landscape around us and to celebrate our shared humanity.” - Light Hope Joy Day - Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Full programme details are now online: refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MOREOver 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORESpring is a time for new beginnings, and there's no better place to celebrate the season than at New Lanark, one of Scotland’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
READ MOREPupils at St Elizabeth's Primary School enjoyed a reading session and interactive workshop with the Thumble Tumble writer.
READ MOREGet ready, Scotland! Ideal Home Show Scotland sponsored by EcoFlow is back at Glasgow's SEC from 23rd - 26th May 2025 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORECineworld, the UK's leading cinema chain, will be holding its eighth annual IMAX Film Fest on Saturday 15th March, with tickets on sale for only £5!
READ MOREA beautiful city with a rich history, high street favourites, independent boutiques and a giant adventure to explore around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible experiences to be had!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is welcoming applications for Dobbies Community Gardens, offering local schools, charities and community groups the opportunity to receive support for their green spaces.
READ MORESix by Nico's Road Trip, inspired by Chef Nico Simeone's Italian heritage and travels, will take you on a culinary journey through Italy!
READ MOREAn array of action films is screening at Vue venues in Scotland throughout the month of March, kicking off with the king of the genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
READ MORECheck out the Glastonbury artists that music fans can catch in Glasgow, straight off the heels of their Worthy Farm performance at TRNSMT Festival!
READ MOREThe Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Country Park is to host a sparkling Wedding Fayre featuring a stylish fashion show and a host of exhibitors who will be showcasing the latest wedding trends.
READ MOREKirsty MacLaren, Kyle Gardiner and Finlay McKillop lead a multi-talented ensemble as the Clown and the Wolfman take to the road once again!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is inviting the nation to get excited for the busiest season in the gardener's calendar with its Spring Launch Weekend, taking place 6-10 March!
READ MORETopgolf will bring the virtual game to life at its four UK venues with exclusive giveaways for players.
READ MOREThe UK Pantomime Association is delighted to announce a significant new sponsorship partnership with Trafalgar Entertainment and ATG Entertainment (ATGE).
READ MOREThe UK's largest outdoor cinema, Adventure Cinema announces its most spectacular season to date with incredible films at new magical locations!
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting two free workshops this March for gardeners of all ages; Prepare to Propagate and Beyond the Secret Garden.
READ MORENew Lanark, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site and stunning wedding venue, is inviting couples to experience the magic of their special day with a Wedding Appointment Day on Sunday 2nd March.
READ MOREThe Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MOREBritish kids will go head-to-head on Roblox to be crowned the Gaming Challenge UK champion.
READ MOREAldi Scotland has proudly announced Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the official charity partner of its long running and hugely popular Supermarket Sweep initiative for 2025.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.
READ MOREThe initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MORETo celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORECommunities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MOREThe Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MOREWith less than 6 weeks to go until SUNSHINE ON LEITH at Lanark Memorial Hall, tickets are selling fast!
READ MORETHE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MOREHere's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE