Refugee Festival Scotland comes to Edinburgh
Whatever the weather, people in Edinburgh can expect a warm welcome at Refugee Festival Scotland – and a packed programme of events showcasing refugee arts and culture.
Article Source: Refugee Festival Scotland
Last Updated: 27 May 2021 12:11
This year’s festival runs from 14 June - 20 June. From live music and dance to online art shows, film screenings, gaming marathons and family-friendly picnics, the festival has something for everyone.
The line-up, which showcases refugee arts and culture, aims to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together to meet, mix and get to know each other better.
This year’s festival focuses on helping communities in Edinburgh, and across Scotland to reconnect and build bonds of friendship after months kept apart by the pandemic.
Bas Alden, who is originally from Palestine and now lives in Edinburgh, is one of the organisers behind this year’s festival.
He said: “Each year, we evolve and adapt to changes and use new tools to support and bring people together. As a result of Covid-19, this year’s festival, which runs from 14-20 June, will be different. Many events will be held online to make them accessible to all – and to keep you safe!
“Refugee Festival Scotland connects New Scots with communities across Scotland. The festival is a place where the sky is the limit when it comes to dreams and ideas. It is a safe and open space for people to campaign for change and reach out to others in friendship and support.”
The festival celebrates the many ways refugees contribute to Scotland’s cultural life by showcasing the food and drink, music and dance, language and art that people bring with them when they begin new lives in Scotland.
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Details of the 2021 festival programme are now online: www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Edinburgh highlights
Dance
New Beginnings
Anahat Theatre’s New Beginnings is a playful dance theatre work in progress celebrating the point in time and space when something starts afresh.
The show mixes dance, theatre and poetry and has autobiographical elements.
Created and performed by Mexican-born, Edinburgh-based artist Andrea Cabrera Luna (actor/director). Original sound composition Ceylan Hay.
Friday 18 June 2021, 19:00, online event
Free but ticketed
PAST-Inuous
An interactive video dance installation created through an international digital collaboration with 11 Palestinian dancers – including Edinburgh-Based, Farah Saleh – and video artist Lucas Kao.
The work considers the bodies of the eleven artists – most of whom are third-generation refugees, based in Edinburgh, Berlin, Gaza and Nablus – as living archives. It attempts to dig into these archives to find connections between the artists’ daily gestures of the present, and the gestures of their expelled families in the past.
Friday 18 June, all day, online event
Free
Music and Podcasts
The Sounds of Displacement: Edinburgh Jewish Cultural Centre
A talk by Phil Alexander, with live music from world-renowned Yiddish singer Sasha Lurje. In this session, Phil will take us through some of the many ways that music was a part of post-Holocaust displaced refugee life. We will listen to archive materials, discover more about the ensembles and anthologies that were created out of Displaced Persons camp life, and explore the importance of music under these difficult circumstances.
Date: Thursday 17 June 2021, 19:30
£5 (free to those with limited means)
Much Language Such Talk Podcast Special with Debora Kayembe
Bilingualism Matters is releasing a special episode of the Much Language Such Talk Podcast as part of Scottish Refugee Festival. Tune in for a fascinating interview with Debora Kayembe about her work as a human rights lawyer, translator and activist, and her experiences arriving in the UK as a refugee. In 2016, Ms Kayembe became the first African woman to join the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and in February 2021, she became the third woman, the first black woman and the first African immigrant to be named rector of the University of Edinburgh.
Date:Thursday 17 June, 12.00
Free
Community events
The Welcoming Refugee Festival Special
An online gathering bringing together members of the local Syrian community and their neighbours for an uplifting evening of live music, storytelling, art and discussion.
Thursday 17 June, 5pm
Free
Community Picnic With Greening Our Street
Greening Our Street are hosting a family-friendly picnic at their community garden near the tennis courts on the Meadows. Bring your own food and come prepared for games and guided tours of the garden.
Sunday, 20 June at 12 noon
Free
Gaming Against the Hostile Environment
Using gaming as a platform for good, Gaming Against the Hostile Environment aims to raise awareness about the hostile environment policies which leave thousands of people who came to the UK as asylum seekers or refugees in vulnerable, precarious and often inhumane situations.
As part of Refugee Festival Scotland, they’re setting up the gear for a gaming marathon to raise funds for four grassroots organisations that support refugees, including Intercultural Youth Scotland in Edinburgh. All gamers are also invited to join for a celebration stream on World Refugee Day – time and Game to be confirmed.
Sunday 20 June, time (tbc)
Free
Details of all events can be found at refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORE
The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers
From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day
To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh
Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston
Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic
The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Collective announces 2026 programme
Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.
READ MORE
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month
Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.
READ MORE
The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn
As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.
READ MORE
First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week
A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links