After our previous posts, here is a list of what is happening in Chester around Refugee Week 2025 (see previous posts/events for full information about the events):
24th May – 22nd June: Join our ‘A-Z Art Trail’ to see posters designed by pupils at Bishops Bluecoat Church of England High School and to learn more about the words on which the art works are based showing issues faced by sanctuary seekers.
5th June at 12.30: film ‘Mediha’ following a young Yazidi girl confronting her experiences surviving capture by ISIS whilst initiating investigations into her captors at Storyhouse, tickets booked via Storyhouse website
7th June at 7pm: ‘Afloat’ a thought provoking live theatre event examining issues of those having to flee to seek safety, created via a collaboration between professional artists and performers currently seeking asylum or having lived experience of the process. Tickets via Theatre Porto
10th June at 6pm: film ‘Mediha’ following a young Yazidi girl confronting her experiences surviving capture by ISIS whilst initiating investigations into her captors at Storyhouse, tickets booked via Storyhouse website. Followed by post-screening discussion with members of the Chester Group of the City of Sanctuary.
12th June at 7pm and again at 8.30pm: ‘Wings of the Sky’ performance performed under the ‘Peace Doves’ in Chester Cathedral. Written by Richard Wiseman and composed by Mat Baker. Tickets available here
13th June at 7pm: an evening with Dr Waheed Arian sharing his story of resilience, hope and dedication after leaving Afghanistan. Tickets via Storyhouse website
14th June at 12pm and 1.30pm: ‘Seeking Sanctuary Ukrainian Dance’ performance created by ‘Whispered Tales’ sharing the story of Ukrainians forced to leave their homes and seek sanctuary in the UK. Performed under the ‘Peace Doves’ at Chester Cathedral. No booking required.
14th,16th and 17th June, 10am – 4pm: ‘Everyone’s Welcome Exhibition’ of work by local schoolchildren in response to our spaces and community being welcoming spaces for all. Free
15th June, 3pm: ‘Refugee Week Evensong’. All welcome
16-22nd June: Join us at Storyhouse in the foyer to celebrate this years theme ‘Community Superpower’. Show solidarity with those seeking sanctuary by taking photos of our Community Superpower poster to post to your own social media (#mythbusters) or send to us and we will post on our sites.
18th June at 4pm: a 20 minute dance performance exploring female migration and the human capacity to offer refuge. Created by ‘Whispered Tales’, performed in the Chapter House at Chester Cathedral. Tickets via Cathedral Website
19th June at 6.45pm: ‘Conversations with Refugees: Reclaiming the Narrative’, speakers exploring the topic at Chester Cathedral. Book free tickets here
20th June: ‘Home Cooked with Love’, a food sharing event welcoming families new to the area at Theatre Porto. For more information see website
28th June at 12.30-3pm: BYO community picnic for the whole community at Crossroads Community Hub Newton, Chester.
Through out the week: Chester libraries will participating in the ‘Community Superpower Project’, ‘Peace Doves’ and the ‘A-Z Art Trail’.
Wesley Church Centre will have a ‘Church of Sanctuary’ display and an activity ‘What would you take if you suddenly had to leave home?’. Additionally the Wesley is participating in the ‘A-Z Art Trail’ and have their cafe and Fairtrade shop.
We hope to see you at one of the above events!