Refugee Week 2024 was our biggest yet. As chairs of the Coventry Welcomes Refugee Week steering group, we had the privilege of coordinating celebrations across the city. Here's what we got up to.

Main Event: Herbert Art Gallery

On Saturday 25th June, the Herbert Art Gallery was buzzing with energy. Over 500 people came through the doors to celebrate refugee contributions to our city. The day included:

  • Live music from around the world
  • Children's art workshops
  • Food stalls representing 12 different cuisines
  • Information stands from refugee support organisations

Open Mic: Our Community Takes the Stage

The highlight for us was the open mic session we organised. Seventeen people shared poetry, songs, and stories. Some highlights:

  • A Syrian woman sang a lullaby her mother used to sing—she hadn't sung it since leaving home
  • A teenage boy from Eritrea performed a spoken word piece about crossing the Mediterranean
  • Three women from different countries collaborated on a piece about finding sisterhood in Coventry

"Still We Rise": Podcast Collaboration

We partnered with CARAG (Coventry Asylum and Refugee Action Group) to produce a live recording of their podcast "Still We Rise". The episode featured:

  • Conversations about the challenges and joys of building new lives
  • Music from refugee musicians
  • Audience Q&A

You can listen to the episode on all major podcast platforms.

Solihull Council Invitation

We were honoured to be invited by Solihull Council to speak at their Refugee Week event. Last shared Inini's journey and led a workshop on creating welcoming communities. It was a powerful reminder that the work of integration extends beyond Coventry.

What Refugee Week Means to Us

Refugee Week isn't just about celebration—it's about visibility. It's about saying to everyone who's sought safety here: you belong. You matter. Your contributions make our city richer.

As one attendee said: "I've lived here five years and never felt like I belonged. Today, for the first time, I felt like this is home."

Looking Ahead

Refugee Week may be over, but our work continues. We're already planning next year's events. If you'd like to get involved—as a volunteer, performer, or sponsor—please get in touch.