Bristol Refugee Festival 2018: the highlights

Celebration, information and integration are key themes for these year’s Bristol Refugee Festival, which takes place throughout June.

The packed month-long programme includes film screenings, music showcases, art exhibitions, Eid feasts, plays, animations, and much more, all with the aim of celebrating diversity and the contributions made by refugees to the city.

It’s proof – if any were needed – that people with vastly different pasts can come together to create a brighter future for everyone.

The main event is a celebration in Queen Square

Here are a few highlights of events taking place throughout June:

Festival launch night
June 1, The Lantern, Colston Hall, 6-9pm
An evening of international live music and spoken word will kick the festivities off with a bang, celebrating the work of refugee artists and performers. This will be a fun evening with something for everyone, and aims to provide an opportunity for attendees to meet new people and experience the richness of the wider Bristol community.

Human Flow screening
Part 1: June 4, part 2: June 11,  The Arts House, 6-8pm
Ai Weiwei’s documentary presents several different refugee camps and tries to encourage discussion about the problem in a globalised context. The artist has been criticised by some for misusing the topic to put himself in the limelight, but others argue that the documentary is an important means of raising awareness of the plight of refugees. It will be shown in two parts, after each of which, the audience will be encouraged to discuss what they have seen, welcoming any contributions to the debate from refugees.

The Ping Pong Parlour table tennis tournament
June 5, All Hallows Hall, 6-9pm
The tournament is open to both intermediate and advanced players, encouraging new players to compete with the regular members of the Ping Pong Parlour. There will be two singles competitions, one for each level of ability, along with an additional table for players of all levels to enjoy games when not competing. This event provides a relaxed and informal setting to meet new people and interact with the community, along with a bonus chance for friendly competition or even learning a new skill.

A Strange New Space
June 10, SS Great Britain, 11am (relaxed performance) and 2pm
A Strange New Space is a wordless one-woman show designed to help audiences, particularly younger children, to understand better the lives and stories of refugees. Although set as a voyage through space, the show parallels performer Amira’s real-life journey as a refugee across continents. This completely original show will be an unforgettable introduction to theatre for young children, helping to educate and promote better understanding in a simple and fun way.

Spices without borders
June 12, The Spicery, 7-10pm
Participants will undertake a culinary journey across a three-course meal, lovingly created by people who have carried these recipes across many borders and barriers during their own voyages. Dishes range from Egypt to Iran, Sudan to Pakistan, and all with vegetarian alternatives for those who require them.

‘Spices without borders’ will be a chance to share knowledge and experience from around the world in a three-course meal

Football tournament: Our City Community Cup
June 16, Lockleaze Sports Centre, 10am-4pm
This six-a-side football tournament, held at the new Lockleaze Sports Centre, provides the opportunity for local teams to sign up and compete for medals and a trophy. Whether coming along to compete or just to watch, this event promises to be fun for all.

This is me
June 16-17, Outdoor Gallery Wall, Jamaica Street, 10am-5pm
In this event organised by Bristol charity AidBoxCommunity, members of the public are invited to express themselves through art on the Outdoor Gallery Wall in Jamaica Street. This will be a unique experience and a great chance to literally make a mark, express yourself in a creative way, and really engage with the issues the festival is trying to promote discussion of.

ACH bike ride: Bristol to Saltford
June 21, leaving from Easton Business Centre at 11am
Continuing the tradition established by Bristol Refugee Week, ACH – an organisation dedicated to helping refugees to find places to live in the UK – is encouraging people to get outside and on their bikes. Participants ride along the Bristol & Bath Railway Path, a journey which takes roughly 45 minutes, and will have a barbeque, drinks, and games waiting for them at the other end. Whether a cycling enthusiast or an amateur, the ride is open to everyone and a great way to get outside and (hopefully) enjoy the sunshine. ACH’s tenants from all over the city are also encouraged to take part, encouraging conversation and interaction with the refugee community that is present in Bristol.

Celebrating sanctuary
June 24, Queen Square, 1pm-6.30pm
This is the flagship event of the festival, celebrating Bristol’s status as a City of Sanctuary and encouraging the integration of refugees in Bristol into the wider community. It is an afternoon of music, food, and fun, with all members of the community invited to attend.

The festival’s flagship event, Celebrating Sanctuary, includes music and food

Annual dance event
June 26, Malcolm X Centre, 10.30am-2pm
This annual, women-only event, organised by Refugee Women of Bristol, brings together women from a diverse range of backgrounds to share and exhibit their cultures, to dance, to learn more about each other’s cultures, and, most importantly, to have fun. This, like so many of the events during the festival, aims to encourage refugees to be more prominent in their communities and seeks to prevent them from becoming isolated. The event is women-only, but children are welcome.

Honouring Kamil: Disability and Migration
June 29, From City Hall to We the Curious, 2.30pm-4pm
This event is in memory of Kamil Ahmad, a disabled Kurdish refugee, who came to Britain seeking sanctuary, and was murdered in his supported accommodation in July 2016. The event will start at City Hall then there will be a procession to We the Curious, where the second part of the event will take place. The organisers hope to honour Kamil’s memory by raising awareness of the failings of the system to create a movement for positive change.

The Big Lunch: ‘Getting to Know You’
June 30, The Manor Hall, 2-6pm
This event is part of the UK’s annual get together for neighbours which encourages people to interact with others in their community and to better integrate those who may feel isolated or alone. Bring along a picnic for an afternoon of food, fun, and music.

Fun at last year’s festival

For the full programme of events, visit www.bristolrefugeefestival.org/events/.

Read more: Strength in diversity