Refugee Week 2026

From 15 to 21 June 2026 Refugee Week will be proudly celebrated in Richmond. The theme this year is 'Courage'.

This page will be updated regularly with Refugee Week news.

Around the World in Food and Languages

Hosted by Richmond EAL Friendship Group and ETNA Community Centre.

This free community cultural event is part of Refugee Week. This bring-a-plate event celebrates the diverse cultures, languages and traditions within the local community through food, conversation and connection. Residents are warmly invited to bring a dish to share, or simply come along to enjoy an afternoon of friendship and cultural exchange. Everyone is welcome.

• Date: Monday 15 June
• Time: 3.30 to 6pm
• Location: ETNA Community Centre, 13 Rosslyn Road, TW1 2AR

For more information, please contact rebecca.khan@richmondeal.org.uk.

Courage in Action

Hosted by Multicultural Richmond.

A welcoming community event open to all, celebrating the strength, resilience and contributions of sanctuary seekers. The event will include interactive stalls and activities. It will also feature a storyboard created by members of Richmond’s Hong Kong community, sharing their journeys to the UK and the challenges they have experienced, highlighting the theme of courage.

• Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
  
• Time: 10am to 1.30pm
  
• Location: 111a Kneller Road, Whitton, Twickenham TW2 7DT 

Refugee Voices

A celebration of refugee courage, strength and community, hosted by the Afghan and Central Asian Association.

This event is a cultural celebration bringing together sanctuary seekers and Richmond residents. Activities include live Afghan and Central Asian music and dance, Afghan food, and storytelling. There will also be information stalls and links to local support services.

• Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
• Time: 12 to 6pm
• Location: Whitton Community Centre, Percy Road, Twickenham TW2 6JL

Celebration evening

Richmond Council would like to invite you to join a celebration of Refugee Week on Thursday 18 June for an evening of delicious food, performances and music, in celebration of the sanctuary seekers who call Richmond home.

All local sanctuary seekers are welcome to join, as well as voluntary organisations, partners and residents. The event is free and open to all.

• Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
• Time: 6 to 8.30pm
• Location: Clarendon Hall, York House, Twickenham TW1 3DT

Book tickets for the Celebration evening

Storytelling and poetry session

Hosted by Learn English at Home.

Learn about poetry in a fun and easy way. Participants will reflect on courage and express ideas through drawing, writing, group storytelling, and accessible poetry and spoken word. The session aims to reduce language barriers, build confidence and self-esteem, and strengthen community connection by celebrating the resilience and strengths of sanctuary seekers in a safe, inclusive space. Refreshments will be provided.

• Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
• Time: 10.30am to 1.30pm
• Location: Whitaker Suite, Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP

To sign up for this event, email coordinator4@leah.org.uk or call 020 8946 1829.

Courage through Culture

Ukrainian traditions bringing communities together, hosted by Prosperity for Ukraine.

This event brings together refugees and the Richmond community through shared cultural experiences. This includes Ukrainian cultural workshops, a varenyky masterclass, Petrykivka painting, children’s Motanka doll workshop, and a Ukrainian wine tasting and cultural presentation.

• Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Location: Prosperity Ukrainian Café and Restaurant, 59 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3LP

Richmond Library Service

Join Richmond Library Service to celebrate the voices of Richmond upon Thames.

Celebrate a year of Voices of Richmond upon Thames, a project inviting those moving to Richmond from other countries to add their photos of daily lives to our archive collections, creating a diverse collection to be viewed for years to come. The event will feature a look back at some of the entries submitted this year as well as food and entertainment for all ages.

• Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
• Time: 5pm
• Location: Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP

Courage, Culture and Community

Hosted by SFIDA Albanian/Kosovan/Macedonia and Gorani Group.

The event will feature an exhibition of artwork by former child refugees, personal stories across generations, traditional Albanian dance, and food. It aims to foster empathy, challenge negative narratives about refugees, and strengthen community cohesion in Richmond. The event is free and open to all.

• Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
• Time: 11am to 3pm
• Location: Richmond Library Annexe, Quadrant Road, Richmond TW9 1DH

For more information email m.sfida@yahoo.co.uk or kadimejata@sfida.org.uk.

Displaced Ukrainians Together: Courage to Belong

Hosted by Ukrainian St Mary's Trust.

The event will offer children’s art and music activities, a cultural space with Ukrainian books and crafts, and access to informal advice from a legal advisor and family support worker. It will celebrate the everyday courage shown by displaced families rebuilding their lives.

• Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
• Time:12 to 4pm
• Location: St Richard’s Church of England Primary School, Ashburnham Road, Richmond TW10 7NL 

Kupala Festival

Celebrating courage and community, hosted by Ukrainian Social Club.

Ukrainian refugees and the Richmond community unite to celebrate Ukrainian culture, share stories of courage and resilience, and build connections. The festival features music, poetry, creative workshops, children’s activities, and artisan crafts, with sanctuary seekers leading performances and activities. 

• Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
• Time: 3 to 8pm
• Location: Kew Community Trust, St Luke’s The Avenue, Kew, TW9 2AJ