Bristol Refugee Festival

Women’s Craft Club Special
2026-06-19 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Arnolfini, BS1 4QA
Join Arnolfini for a special Women’s Craft Club event!
Explore traditional textile craft led by a Ukrainian artist and maker Svitlana Trygub. You’ll be guided through felt sewing and embroidery techniques while creating decorative pieces based on Ukrainian floral motifs—symbols often associated with protection and storytelling.
Learn about Ukrainian embroidery traditions and the symbols that appear in traditional folk designs in a relaxed and creative environment that encourages connection through craft.
Free. No need to book, just drop in.
All materials provided, including knitting, crochet, embroidery, fabrics, jewellery making and more.
These workshops are open, inclusive and a celebration of community through creativity.
About Svitlana Trygub
Svitlana is a textile craft maker originally from Ukraine. Her work is inspired by Ukrainian folk traditions, particularly the art of embroidery and handmade decorative objects. Svitlana is also a volunteer with Bridges for Communities’ ‘Stitching Together’ project.
When: Friday 19 June 2026, 11am to 1pm
Where: Arnolfini, 16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, Avon, BS1 4QA

Home from Home
2026-06-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Curzon Cinema, Curzon Cinema and Arts, 46 Old Church Road, Clevedon, Bristol, BS21 6NN
Experience the soulful sound of the bağlama, the heartbeat of Turkish folk music, with singer/ musician Ozcan Ates, accompanied by three UK based musicians. The evening will be hosted by Michael Loader of Somerset Storyfest. There will be food, time to talk, stalls and most importantly community and connection.
When: Friday 19 June 2026, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Where: Curzon Cinema and Arts, 46 Old Church Road, Clevedon, BS21 6NN
Tickets: Free / £2 / £4 / £6 / £8 / £15

Mendips Refugee Festival
2026-06-20 14:00 - 17:00 | Skylark, , Blagdon Baptist Chapel, Blagdon,, BS40 7RL
Join us this summer at Skylark, Blagdon Baptist Chapel in Blagdon for a Mendips Refugee Festival, a relaxed, family-friendly gathering that brings people together to celebrate the richness of cultures from across the globe, building a stronger, more connected local community.
Across the afternoon, Skylark will come alive with live music and performances, creative workshops, craft activities, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. Enjoy delicious food and drink and join in with garden games on Blagdon Mead.
This event is for anyone who wants to learn more, show support, and help create a warm welcome for people who are new to the area. It’s also a space for refugees and people seeking asylum to meet local organisations, access support, and feel part of the community.
Free event – everyone is invited!
Where: Skylark, Blagdon Baptist Church, Blagdon (BS40 7RL)
When: Saturday 20 June 2026, 2pm – 5pm
Come along, bring your friends and family, and be part of a day that celebrates culture, unity and community

Celebrating Sanctuary in College Green
2026-06-21 12:30 - 18:00 | At City Hall. College Green, Bristol BS15TR.
Our annual flagship event and festival finale showcasing Bristol refugee talent with live performances, activities, games, kids area, trade stalls and delicious food.
Bring your friends and family for a great day out!
When: Sunday 21 June 2026, 12.30pm – 6pm
Where: College Green, Bristol

Creating Spaces of Welcome – Lawrence Weston
2026-07-08 10:00 - 12:30 | Ambition Lawrence Weston, 2 Stile Acres, BS11 0PZ
Interactive workshop exploring how to make community spaces more welcoming and inclusive for refugees and asylum seekers.

The workshop explores how community spaces can adopt simple inclusive practices to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers feel welcome.
It also looks at how to ensure that individuals/groups feel valued and able to share their skills, knowledge and culture within these spaces.
We will identify potential barriers to refugees and asylum seekers using a space and participating in activities and discuss how to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are able to make meaningful connections and contributions in their local community.
Only 40 spots available. Please ensure a maximum of three representatives from each organization attend the workshop.
Where: Ambition Lawrence Weston
When: Wednesday 8 July, 10am – 12.30pm
Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creating-spaces-of-welcome-workshop-lawrence-weston-tickets-1988823552784
