The Royal Borough of Greenwich is celebrating Refugee Week from 15 to 21 June with a special community event highlighting the courage, creativity and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary across the borough.
As a proud Borough of Sanctuary, the council is partnering with Luca Silvestrini’s Protein, Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary and Woolwich Works to present ‘There & Here – A Celebration’ at 3pm on Saturday 20 June at Woolwich Works.
The national theme of Refugee Week 2026 is ‘courage’, and this free community event will bring residents together through dance, music, workshops, arts activities and food, to celebrate the diversity and stories of our communities across our borough.
The event programme includes:
- Bantu-inspired fashion design from LeenaD
- Special performances from Creating Ground and Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants
- Live music from DelBand
- Arts making with Ramin Imantalab
- Singing from Citizens of the World Choir
Attendees will also be invited to take part in arts and crafts, dance activities and a communal meal.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
“Refugee Week is an important opportunity to celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary in our borough. As a Borough of Sanctuary, the Royal Borough of Greenwich is proud to stand alongside communities and partners to create a welcoming borough where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive.”
“This year’s theme of ‘courage’ reflects the experiences of so many people rebuilding their lives and making meaningful contributions to communities across our borough every day, as well as the courage of communities that welcome others. I would encourage as many residents as possible to get involved and attend our fantastic partnership event on Saturday 20 June, as well as the other activities happening across the borough.”
Residents are also encouraged to take part in Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network’s event, United in Courage: Voices of Strength and Solidarity, on Saturday 13 June from 11am to 4pm.
A resident with lived experience of seeking sanctuary said:
"Courage for refugees means endurance, to learn, to unlearn, and to face uncertainties. Courage for the community is to open our hearts and bridge divides between us, knowing that no one ever wishes to flee to safety. Come and celebrate with us as we strengthen communal bonds through art, music, dance, and a lot more. Beyond celebration, we’re creating a better environment for ourselves and a future where love, peace, unity and diversity thrive.”
Another resident with lived experience said:
"For me, Refugee week is an opportunity to celebrate the courage, bravery and strength of men, women and children who have escaped war, prosecution and danger. It recognises the cultures and traditions we bring to our community, and the courage it takes to build a new life, often far away from friends, family and everything familiar."
The Royal Borough of Greenwich continues to work with local organisations and partners to support refugees and people seeking sanctuary. There is also support available directly from the council.
‘There & Here – A Celebration’ takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026 from 3pm at Woolwich Works. The event is free to attend, but booking is required and tickets are limited to two per person.
For more information and to book tickets, visit woolwich.works/events/there-and-here
Individuals and organisations can sign our Borough of Sanctuary pledge to show their support for people seeking sanctuary in Royal Greenwich. Sign the pledge.