Now Refugee Week 2022 has finished we thought we’d show some of the highlights here for those unable to attend.

Over 400 ‘messages for thought’ were made by volunteers and displayed around the city. Through their making we show solidarity with those seeking sanctuary and we hope people coming across them were stimulated to think about the words and  and their own thoughts on the situation. We hope to start a conversation and suggest a more humane, compassionate alternative to the current rhetoric – to see the human behind the politics and statistics. 

On Saturday, was the performance of White Rabbit, Red Rabbit at the University. This was a play written by Iranian Nassim Soleimanpour which was a play like no other. Matt Baker was given the script as he arrived on stage and gave an amazing performance.

At times funny, at others scary, this was a challenging, thought provoking piece which leaves the audience confused, complicit, conforming – you decide. You will never see Matt Baker in this role again as each performance has a different actor, but if you get the chance to see it, do!

Throughout the week, there was a display at the Wesley Centre and some items made by refugee artisans at the fair trade shop.

We thought you may like to see just a few of the reflections visitors wrote:

• a welcoming society is a flourishing society
• refugees have always contributed so much to our society
• we all enrich each others lives
• I wonder how i would cope if I were a refugee
• so sad, it really hurts
• refugees are people like us. They have the same hopes, dreams and feelings. Why do we treat them as though they are different?
• Fear leads to panic, panic leads to pain, pain leads to anger, anger leads to hate (lyrics from Idles)

Many thanks to all those who participated.

On Sunday at the Cathedral, Alison Adams from Leicester Cathedral was the guest speaker and spoke of injustice, listening to those with lived experiences and the responsibilities and bias of us all. The whole service can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/chestercathedralchoirandorgan with Alison’s sermon being from 23.25 – 37.45 minutes.

We’d also like to thank those who had messages or displays in their shops and Cheshire libraries.

Look out for Refugee Week 2023!