Thousands of people all over the country are preparing to take part in the fifth annual Refugee Week festival, celebrating the enormous economic and cultural contribution that refugees and asylum seekers make to the UK, and promoting understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary.

Over three hundred public events will be held in towns and cities around the UK, featuring music, dance and visual arts from all over the world, thought-provoking theatre and film, football tournaments, lively political debates, food fairs and more. There will also be thousands of events and activities taking place in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups, reflecting this year’s theme of young people.

Refugee Week is launched on Sunday 15th June on the South Bank in London with Celebrating Sanctuary, which will include fantastic music and dance acts by professional refugee artists, activities like story-telling to keep children enthralled and a plethora of food, drink and craft stalls. Comedians and celebrity supporters will introduce the musical line-up.

Further Information

For more information, please visit the Refugee Week website www.refugeeweek.org.uk, e-mail media@refugeeweek.org.uk or contact the Press Officers of one of the partner agencies of Refugee Week:

Jean Candler, Refugee Council, 020 7820 3057
Neil Durkin, Amnesty International UK, 020 7814 6241
Rachel Watson, Refugee Action, 020 7654 7714
Damien Wilson, Save the Children, 020 7716 2063

The Refugee Council is not responsible for the content of external sites.