The events scheduled from 14-23 June 2024 are designed to foster unity and inclusivity amongst diverse communities. With more than 130 activities planned across the country, the aim is to bring people together in friendship and solidarity, encouraging cross-cultural interactions and mutual understanding. These events are expected to include a variety of cultural, educational, and social activities that celebrate diversity and promote a sense of shared community. Activities include musical performances by refugee artists and visual art exhibitions depicting the journey of New Scots.
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.”
Equal opportunity to thrive
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 an 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.”
Refugee Festival events around Scotland
Highlights include 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 Raising Voices, including their most-loved songs accompanied by an 18-piece ensemble from the RSNO.
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.” Find out more about Resilience in Flight.
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.”
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by the Scottish Refugee Council. Full programme details are now online.
This article is based on the press release by Refugee Festival Scotland.
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