Bath Refugee Festival is back tomorrow, bringing eight days of rich art, music, food, and enlightening talks led by local refugees. Running from Saturday, June 13 to Saturday, June 20, the festival warmly celebrates the stories and cultures of refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers in Bath.
Founder Hiba Elhindi shared her inspiration: “When I moved to Bath, I was captivated by its beauty and welcoming spirit, but I also saw the challenges newcomers face when trying to connect and find community. This festival was born to celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our city and to create spaces for people to learn, share, and build lasting relationships.”
Elhindi, a Sudanese-British arts practitioner, launched the festival last year at Fairfield House, welcoming around 400 attendees. Since then, the event has grown in scope and excitement.
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This year’s programme features a vibrant mix of cultural experiences. Highlights include an evening celebrating Ukrainian culture with a dinner prepared by MasterChef finalist Iryna Malenka, and a guided tour exploring Bath’s history with refugees, led by the Mayor’s Guide.
The festival culminates in the flagship event, Celebrating Sanctuary, at Fairfield House on Saturday, June 20, from 1 to 7 pm. Attendees will enjoy an array of activities including a Vietnamese summer roll demonstration by Noya’s Kitchen, a Sudanese coffee ceremony, expressive Sudanese and Palestinian poetry, lively music from Hong Kong, African drumming sessions, and Brazilian Fuxico textile craft workshops.
Bath Refugee Festival is part of National Refugee Week, which begins on Monday, June 15, with this year’s theme centered on ‘courage.’
Elhindi emphasizes, “This festival transcends events—it’s a recognition of the immense contributions refugees and migrants make to our communities. It fosters cultural expression and a true sense of belonging for everyone who calls Bath home.”
The festival runs from June 13 to June 20. Many events are free but require advance booking. Visit the official website for the full programme and ticket details.