Richmond celebrates culture and courage during Refugee Week

Local groups, residents and sanctuary seekers came together for a vibrant community celebration for Refugee Week 2026. With World Refugee Day on 20 June, the event highlighted the moments that brought our community together.

More than 200 residents and sanctuary seekers, along with 20 local groups, came together at York House last night to celebrate the diverse cultures across Richmond’s sanctuary-seeking communities. The evening included a lively programme of music, art, storytelling and global cuisine.

Councillor Fiona Sacks, Borough of Sanctuary Champion, said: “Refugee Week is a powerful reminder of the strength, energy and creativity that sanctuary seekers bring to our borough.

“The way residents and local groups came together to celebrate the contributions, art, and culture of sanctuary seekers - and to listen to and support one another - was a powerful demonstration of what a welcoming and inclusive community looks like in practice.

“I’m so grateful for the incredible warmth shown by people from across our Borough who are helping to make Richmond a place where everyone can feel secure, valued and empowered.”

Guests took part in creative workshops, explored community stalls and enjoyed performances that celebrated the talent, resilience and cultural richness of people rebuilding their lives in the borough.

The evening came to life with the joyful voices of the Hong Kong children singers, the energy and colour of Ukrainian dance group ‘Stefania’ and the powerful rhythms of African drummers ‘Adanta’.

Local organisations supporting sanctuary seekers provided information on English classes, employment, healthcare, housing, community activities and local services across the borough.

More Refugee Week events will take place over the weekend offering residents further opportunities to learn about sanctuary seekers and the cultures they bring to our borough.

Refugee resettlement and support services

In Richmond, we are proud to be recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary, a status awarded to areas that go above and beyond in supporting sanctuary seeking residents.

Find out about our refugee resettlement and support services.