Refugee Week 2025: Celebrating Community as a Superpower

This Refugee Week, we are proudly celebrating a welcoming, inclusive place for all with a packed event calendar. We are also proudly marking one year as an accredited Borough of Sanctuary.

Borough of Sanctuary

On 14 June 2024, Richmond upon Thames officially became a Borough of Sanctuary. This accreditation is awarded to boroughs that go above and beyond to support sanctuary-seeking residents. 

Learn more about Richmond’s commitment to sanctuary seekers and our accreditation as a Borough of Sanctuary.

Refugee Week events

Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival that honours the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers.

This 16 to 22 June, join us in recognising their strength and stories through inspiring events that celebrate community, connection, and the power of welcome.

Find out more about our Refugee Week events.

Richmond Refugee Week Celebration

Join us for a special evening of community, culture, and connection as part of Refugee Week 2025! 

This free, family-friendly celebration, organised with support from local partners, will feature vibrant cultural performances and delicious food from around the world.

There will be stalls hosted by local organisations to welcome sanctuary seekers and support new entrants to the borough with information on local services such as housing support, befriending and language support, community activities and more. Come together to share stories, enjoy diverse traditions, and celebrate the strength of sanctuary. 

Please register for this event. 

• Date: Thursday 19 June 2025
• Time: 6 to 8.30pm
• Location: Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham TW1 3AA

Get free tickets for the Richmond Refugee Week Celebration 2025.

Summer Garden Party

As part of the Know your Place heritage festival, residents are invited to this free event celebrating the people who have moved to the UK and now contribute to the rich and diverse cultures of Richmond upon Thames. Enjoy Ukrainian dance performances, children’s activities, food and drinks. 

No booking is required, just come along and join the celebration! 

• Date: Saturday 21 June 2025
• Time: 1.30 to 3.30pm
• Location: Teddington Library

Find out more about Know Your Place events.

Refugee Week book displays 

This June, our libraries are showcasing a powerful selection of books that explore the experiences, stories, and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

You can also explore the collections online: 

• Libby app
• Borrowbox
• Richmond upon Thames eLibrary
• Comics Plus

Funding available for events during Refugee Week and beyond 

Richmond upon Thames is proud to be home to a strong, compassionate network of individuals and organisations dedicated to helping sanctuary seekers find safety, dignity, and a true sense of belonging. 

To support local participation in Refugee Week, we’re offering grants of up to £2,000 for community groups and organisations to host events and activities.

Funded through our Borough of Sanctuary Grant Scheme, established in 2024, these grants are designed to empower local initiatives that promote understanding, inclusion, and support for people seeking sanctuary.

Find out more about the Refugee Week grants scheme.

Refugee resettlement and support services

Find out about our refugee resettlement and support services, and other refugee support networks in the borough.