Preston City of Sanctuary has joined forces with UCLan and Preston Black History Society to put together a program of events to mark Refugee Week 2019.

Refugee Week, from June 17 to 23 is a UK wide festival of arts, cultural and educational events celebrating the contribution of refugees and promoting understanding as to why people seek sanctuary.

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This year’s theme is ‘You, Me and Those Who Came Before.’

UCLan is hosting five free events over the course of the week.

They include a workshop entitled ‘The experiences of forced migrants’, delivered by the British Red Cross’ Wonder Phiri, a film screening of ‘Human Flow’ and two sessions delivered by Amnesty International trainers.

UCLan academics Dr Raphael Hoermann and David Knight will each give lectures covering Windrush Day.

Suely Ludgero-Newlove, UCLan’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Communities Officer, said: “The University is pleased to be part of Preston’s Refugee Week events. These events provide an insight into the personal stories and impacts of migration and displacement.”

Read more: Here’s what Syrian refugees get when they arrive in Preston

On Thursday June 20, Preston City of Sanctuary is holding the Ladies Celebration of Dance at Sahara on Fishwick Parade. 

There will be a variety of dance including belly dancing by Sarah Swirled Belly Dance and Brazilian capoeira by Anga Capoeira. The event is free and starts at 6:30pm. 

The People’s Production Lab on Guildhall St is also supporting and hosting two events on Saturday 22nd June. 

The Makers’ Market will be open from 12-4pm, giving sanctuary seekers a chance to display and demonstrate their creativity and sell their wares including origami, crochet, embroidery and henna painting.  

There will also be an opportunity to meet some representatives of Preston City of Sanctuary.

Read more: Award winning children’s author is coming to the Harris with her book about the refugee crisis

From 6pm at the People’s Production Lab, Preston City of Sanctuary is presenting an Evening of Entertainment. 

A spokeswoman said: “Refugees and asylum seekers contribute a great wealth of culture to both our city and country. 

“We welcome members of the local community to join those from around the globe in a celebration of the arts.”

Among the performers will be Syrian poet Naveed Ahmed.  Naveed has been working in the charity sector for over 5 years and has featured on both the BBC and Channel 4.

He is best known for his spoken word poetry which he performs all around the country and we are very pleased and proud to welcome him to Preston.

City of Sanctuary chair Felicity Pryke will read from A Hundred Thousand Welcomes by Tiffy Allen.  This newly released book details the stories of refugees and asylum seekers who have found sanctuary in the UK thanks to the work of City of Sanctuary.  Copies of the book will be on sale at the event.

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Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children. 

There is still time to get involved in the events – please email info@preston.cityofsanctuary.org.uk if you have crafts to sell or are a female dance teacher and would like to perform.

For more information on Refugee Week please visit http://refugeeweek.org.uk/

Read more: Preston becomes a City of Sanctuary