Refugee Week, the UK’s biggest cultural celebration of refugees, has begun with over 400 events planned across the UK.

As the refugee crisis across Europe continues, this annual celebration of the contribution made by refugees to British society provides an opportunity for people up and down the country to stand in solidarity with refugees.

Highlights of Refugee Week’s programme of events include: the launch of Refugee Week at London’s Southbank Centre, which will see the Royal Festival Hall filled with miniature boats and performances by Guy Garvey as a climax to the Meltdown Festival; Making Stories: A Refugee Week special event at the British Museum; and the award-winning film Beats of the Antonov at the British Film Institute.

There will also be major events taking place in Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, Oxford, Barnsley, Brighton, Bristol and Newcastle and in towns and cities all over the country. In addition to the events, a t-shirt designed by Marios Schwab and Studio Moross has been produced to celebrate refugees and the theme of welcome.

The theme for this year’s Refugee Week is “welcome” and celebrates how the British public has welcomed refugees into their homes, schools and communities.

Maurice Wren, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council and Chair of Refugee Week said:

“Now more than ever, as refugees continue to seek protection in Europe, it’s vital that we welcome them to the UK.

“For 18 years Refugee Week has been a moment when we celebrate both the contribution that refugees make to Britain, and the generosity of Britons who have given them a warm welcome.

“Simple acts of kindness have helped people who’ve fled the horrors of war, violence and oppression in Syria and other troubled parts of the world to feel safe and secure in Britain. That’s something we can all be proud of.”

See the Refugee Week website for a full list of events across the UK.