Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Through an exciting programme of events, activities and media campaigns, Refugee Week brings together people from different backgrounds to connect beyond labels, and foster a deeper understanding of why people are displaced and the challenges they face when seeking safety. People can take part in or host local events, share news about the week and take part in simple acts to stand in solidarity with refugees.
Find out about events and activities taking place in Newcastle from 5th June onwards, as well as national resources and activities for organisations, communities and schools.
Newcastle events and North East activities
- Click here to download the calendar of events in Newcastle compiled by Tom Lynam (Newcastle City Council and Citywide Sanctuary Network) including art exhibitions, music, poetry, football, films, comedy, exhibitions, cookery and food events, storytelling and writing activities, community welcome events, sports activities, talks and walks.
- Click here to download information about events at Newcastle City Library from 5th June to 9th August, including presentations, discussions, documentary screening with a diverse range of speakers and organisations
- Click here to download the flyer for daily lunchtime online Lunch and Learn sessions in Refugee Week for professionals working across the region on different topics relating to refugees and asylum seekers in the North East
National events and resources
The theme for Refugee Week 2025 is “Community as a Superpower.” Community is the incredible everyday. Ordinary and extraordinary. Simple acts of shared generosity. Kindness multiplied to become an unstoppable force!
Visit the Refugee Week website here to find out more about the week, what’s on and how to take part, as well as the free resources available to celebrate and promote Refugee Week 2025:
- Resource Packs (including Children & Young People, Event Organiser Pack and Neighbourhoods Pack)
- Social Media Pack and Public Marketing Folder
- Simple Acts (illustrated by Moomin Characters)
- Anyone can register here for the free film programme which will be available during Refugee Week through a link provided to those who register (films can also be previewed to check their suitability for people’s needs)
- For updates, sign up to the Refugee Week newsletter and find them on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter. There will be updates about: Refugee Week poster and resources and the annual Refugee Week conference and network meetings to connect and exchange.
A Day of Welcome (13th June 2025) is an annual day of solidarity and learning in schools that aims to build a culture of welcome and understanding for people seeking sanctuary. It supports teachers to develop refugee education and kickstarts Refugee Week by providing free live events, resources and activities for pupils of all ages. Schools can join in as much or as little as they like.
- Click here to register your school
- Click here to download the Teachers’ guide with a summary of the offer and everything you will need to plan your own Day of Welcome
- Contact the The Day of Welcome Team: dayofwelcome@uk.cityofsanctuary.org
Registered schools gain access to:
- Teaching and learning resources: Providing new lessons, guidance and activities for KS1-KS4 for use on 13th June or anytime
- Free live events: Sharing books, art and stories, bringing the voices and experiences of people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary into your classroom (for pupils 5-18 years old)
- Refugee Education support: Sharing the latest training and guidance on how best to support any pupils and families at your school who have experienced forced displacement – for use on 13th June and anytime
Newcastle Schools of Sanctuary
There is ongoing support for schools in Newcastle who are seeking to become Schools of Sanctuary and for those who already are, to enhance their work.
Find out more about Newcastle Schools of Sanctuary here.
Contact Sarah Edgar (School Effectiveness, Newcastle City Council) sarah.edgar@newcastle.gov.uk