On Friday 13 June, it was our honour to launch Nottingham Refugee Week with The Big Event, bringing together all our friends to celebrate this year’s theme was “Community is a Superpower.
We also used The Big Event to mark 25 years of Nottingham Refugee Forum and celebrate with all the community. Our centre was flooded with music, dancing, poetry and art. The sun was shining, the smiles were bright, and the food provided by our very own Cafe Narjis alongside delicious sweet treats and deserts from Nuzhat and our women’s group.
We were proud to host other Nottingham Refugee Week organisations as part of the event as we really wanted to bring the community together. The Ukrainian Cultural Choir provided both our opening performance and a great tombola stall, surrounded by beautiful clothing and products to raise money for those escaping war in Ukraine. Other shout outs go to the British Red Cross, Care4Calais, Communities Inc., Stand Up to Racism, Unite the Union and Fearless Youth Foundation who rounded out the event.
Music plays a key roll in our Refugee Week celebrations and this launch party was no different. Longstanding supporter of Nottingham Refugee Forum DJ Sholley provided the sets to get people off their feet and joining in with the dancing. Bolstered by enthusiastic artists such as J12 and Eleventh Hour who had the crowd moving to their afrobeats, as well as peaceful reflective moments and poetry from Manjit Sahota and Hil the Poet. Highlights also included Nottingham Capoeira who delighted the crowd with their traditional dance and music.
Our garden of serenity was punctuated with children’s shouts as they took part in the treasure hunt, conversations with members of the Playhouse and all things plants with Arkwright and Windmill Community Gardens. The Power of Drumming circle brought all ages together to share rhythms and create their own unique tunes. It’s sure to be a memory they’ll carry with them. The evening was rounded off with a gentle yoga session thanks to Bahia yoga which drew the garden activities to a close in a wonderful inclusive way.
Every year Nottingham Refugee Week is a highlight for our clients and community, so to play host to the launch gave us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our birthday alongside those we work with and support everyday. Thanks for making this event so special!
