'City to come together': Hull's Refugee Week events spotlight ‘courage’ amid global crises

A series of events will take place across Hull from 15 to 21 June as part of Refugee Week, organisers have announced. The programme includes community advice sessions, live music, an art exhibition and a university talk, all designed to celebrate refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

This year’s theme is “courage” — a quality that organisers say is “often a daily necessity” for refugees who “face unknown journeys, learn new languages, or simply wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world”.

Hull City Council cabinet member Ted Dolman said the week will see the city come together “in connection for those across the world who are struggling amid those global conflicts and uncertainty”. He added: “As a City of Sanctuary at a time of so many global conflicts and crisis, Refugee Week is a chance to pause and reflect on those fleeing war and persecution. I look forward to seeing communities across the city joining together and marking the occasion.”

Refugee Week is billed as the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating refugees and people seeking sanctuary, and Hull’s events are part of a nationwide programme. The city’s status as a designated City of Sanctuary — a network of local authorities committed to building a culture of welcome — gives the events particular resonance at a time when global displacement is at record levels.

The full line-up of events:

• Community Celebration with Humber Community Advice Services: 16 June, 11:00–14:00 BST, Saner Street
• Refugee Week Gig with CIAC: 16 June, 20:00–23:00 BST, The New Adelphi Club, De Grey Street
• Courage Beyond Borders – Expression Through Art Launch Event with Hull Truck Theatre and Refugee Council: 17 June, 12:00–14:30 BST, Ferensway
• Courage Beyond Borders – Expression Through Art Exhibition: 16–20 June, 11:00–17:00 BST, Ferensway
• Bag decorating with Hull Help for Refugees: 17 June, 15:00–16:00 BST, Wright Street
• Ukrainian Celebration of Courage with Hull and East Yorkshire Ukrainian Community: 20 June, 11:00–14:00 BST, Wright Street
• Food, Music and Courage Festival with Bora Shabaa: 20 June, 13:00–16:00 BST, Oasis Hub Hull

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