Although we have posts on some of the Refugee Week in the City, we thought we’d post a summary of highlights here.

The city ‘painted’ itself orange in recognition of the week. Here is our iconic centre with an orange hue:

Our group’s main events were an ‘Art Trail’, the ‘Community Superpower Project’ and our stall in the foyer of Storyhouse. The ‘Art Trail’ was made, in conjunction with a local High School, where the words for the trail (relating to the experience of seeking sanctuary) and the art works were produced. We expanded the definitions of the words which could be read via a QR link to our website and the trail was launched by Chester’s Town Crier! We’d like to thank the school and the 17 venues around the city that showed the works. This really was a city-wide collaboration!

The theme of Refugee Week this year was ‘Community as Superpower’ which leads us on to our ‘Community Superpower Project‘. We produced A4 posters showing a message of solidarity with those seeking sanctuary – ‘we are using our community superpower to support those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution’ – and, on the other side, were a series of six ‘myth busters’. We offered people the chance to take a photo of themselves holding the poster for their own, or for our, social media as an act of solidarity. We were delighted with the response from individuals, groups and organisations. If you’d like to see more head to our instagram page @chestercityofsanctuary

During Refugee Week we were delighted to be able to award not one but two ‘Place of Sanctuary’ awards.

Chester Cathedral was the venue for many events linked to Refugee Week, often under the beautiful instillation from Peter Walker – ‘Peace Doves‘ – made in collaboration with local residents.

One of these events was the ‘Wings of the Sky’ performance and performed by young people from different backgrounds, a Ukrainian opera singer, and an Iranian percussionist all living locally with additional community involvement . The Cathedral also organised a poetry event, a Ukrainian dance performance, ‘Reclaiming the Narrative’ discussion event, ‘Refuge Island‘ dance performance and a Refugee Week Evensong Service. As I’m sure you’ll agree, a great programme at the Cathedral.

Additionally other events were held – Chester literary event, the film ‘Mediha’, a community BBQ and a displays in the city.

All in all, an inspiring and positive Refugee Week, thank you Chester!