Bristol Refugee Festival returns this summer to celebrate the resilience, creativity and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary across Bristol 6 – 21 June 2026. At a time when some seek to divide and blame, this year’s programme invites the public to explore the theme of Courage through acts big and small: craft clubs, sports tournaments, community meals, film screenings, poetry workshops and live music.
The festival opens on Saturday 6 June 2026 at SPARKS Bristol in collaboration with their International Cultural Festival in a day of live performances, and continues across the city in a 20-event collaboration with community partners in Southmead, Lockleaze, Knowle, Horfield, Clevedon and city centre. Highlights include the return of football tournament Our City Community Cup (7 June), Senses of Sudan, a poetic film that captures the essence of Sudan before and after the war (13 June) and Zimbabwean band Bulawayo, whose infectious rhythms headline Celebrating Sanctuary in College Green on Sunday 21 June.
The city-wide programme of cultural events and performances also marks 75 years since the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention – a landmark agreement affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity and hope. For 75 years, it has provided the legal foundation that has saved millions of lives.
CEO Jules Olsen says, “As we mark 75 years of the Refugee Convention, this year’s festival asks what courage looks like today. We see it in people rebuilding their lives after displacement, in communities choosing solidarity over division, and in the artists, organisers and residents across Bristol who continue to create spaces of welcome and belonging for everyone.”
The 2026 Bristol Refugee Festival concludes with flagship event Celebrating Sanctuary in College Green on Sunday 21 June 2026. Alongside Bulawayo there will be live music from around the world, delicious food and activities for all the family.
It’s really beautiful to see people from all over the world, and to hear different people’s stories, cultures, traditions and food… the food is good! – 2025 audience member.
All events are free unless otherwise specified and all ticketed events will have free spaces for refugees and asylum seekers. Details can be found on the website bristolrefugeefestival.org.
Bristol Refugee Festival 2026 is made possible thanks to funding from Bristol City Council, Postcode Local Trust and the John James Foundation.