Bristol Refugee Festival CIC

“It was a lovely ray of hope in difficult times and a way to feel connected and a part of the community.”

Bristol Refugee festival connect communities, to promote greater understanding of those seeking sanctuary, overcome misconceptions and celebrate their contributions. It is a collaborative organisation that aims to inform, educate and inspire.

We value the skills, creativity and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers. Cultural differences enrich our communities. Refugees have lost support networks, but host communities can help them rebuild and heal.

Our year-round programme of events culminates in a city-wide festival in June, with a programme of arts, cultural, sport and educational events.

Our vision: Refugees and Asylum Seekers feel welcome, valued and confident to celebrate and share their culture, skills and knowledge in their local community and beyond.

Our mission: We support and facilitate newly arrived and settled communities to come together in celebration of inclusion and diversity through a year-round programme of events, with an annual cross art-form Festival at its core.

Our values: Celebration. Inclusion. Collaboration. Integrity. Respect.

Our impact:
Last year our events brought together over 800 people, nearly 350 of which were from refugee and asylum seekers communities.

87% of those surveyed reported that attending an event made them feel more connected to their community.

90% said they had learnt something new. Learning about the refugee/asylum seeker experience encouraged participants to engage more actively:

“My growing awareness of this issue makes me feel an increase in connection to those suffering from it, if only through that awareness and a desire to help support organisations working to tackle the issue.”

Your donationsAll donations, large and small, will help us to support vulnerable community members, bringing people together to create strong inclusive communities that welcome everyone. This is evident in the feedback we receive across all our projects, which are carefully designed to nurture connections and increase mutual understanding.
“It was so lovely that long-time community members and newer arrivals to the area were meeting and chatting and laughing together.”

“Felt empowering to talk about Kurdish identity.”

“It is really helping me as a New in the city. Which is given me opportunity to learn and get on with people fast.”

“I met Amir who lives just down the road from me. He has moved here from Iran with his wife and kid. It was really lovely to meet him and I hope our paths cross again.”

“A beautiful space to share stories of personal depth.”

“I have met many refugees socially before, but the walk made informal contact easier.”

Website: bristolrefugeefestival.org
Twitter: @RefugeeFestBRL
Facebook: @BristolRefugeeFestival
Instagram: @bristolrefugeefestival

What your gift could provide

£15

Provision of arts materials for workshops or sports equipment for refugees and asylum seekers

£30

Transport or food for refugees and asylum seekers at local events and activities

£100

The opportunity for refugees and asylum seekers to host brilliant community events

Fundraise for us!