Achi news desk-
Multiple events will take place between June 14-23, for what organizers say is their biggest ever, and most diverse, program yet.
Scottish Refugee Festival Manager Mónica Laiseca said: “Filled with unique events and exceptional talent, the festival honors the resilience and courage of Nova Scotians and celebrates a vision for a Scotland where everyone can flourish and have equal opportunities to thrive.
“At a particularly dire time for refugees and asylum seekers living in our communities, our festival presents a powerful message of welcome and makes clear the support that is extremely present and active across Scottish society.”
The festival comes amid the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, with the Scottish Government offering visas to 39,000 Ukrainians with a Scottish sponsor, with over 25,500 of them arriving in the UK on 19 September 2023.
The organizers of the festival, the Scottish Refugee Council, also recently launched a campaign calling on the UK Government to urgently introduce a similar scheme for families in Gaza. The campaign group included 35 families in Scotland and has collected over 100,000 signatures.
The theme of this year’s festival is RISE, to honor the resilience of people trying to rebuild their lives safely in Scotland.
Elina, the Scottish Refugee Festival ambassador who traveled from Ukraine to Scotland, said it was important to recognize the positive stories at a time when so many are suffering across the world in war zones.
He said: “We are spreading a message that anyone can rise out of any circumstances they have faced in their own life since unfortunately, most refugees experience the worst things that can happen to anyone human We can share our experience to inspire others too.”
The Scottish Refugee Festival aims to offer something for everyone, from music and dance, DJs and drag queens, food and drink, football tournaments, and family picnics. The program brings people from different backgrounds and cultures together to meet, mingle and get to know each other better.
This year’s festival includes a collaboration between the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and Refugee Festival Scotland to stage a special concert for families celebrating the power of a good song. Three community choirs from Glasgow will perform their most popular songs to the accompaniment of an 18-piece ensemble from the RSNO called Raising Voices.
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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will also host an interactive event in Dundee called Resilience in Flight, which will hold nature sessions to mark the return of the white-tailed eagle to Scotland.
Hope Busák, Wild Dundee Project Manager at RSPB, said: “This year, RSPB Scotland’s ‘Wild Dundee’ initiative focuses on white-tailed eagles, demonstrating the resilience of nature and the importance of connecting with the environment wherever we are.
Other highlights include a pedestrian-only event starting in Holyrood Park on the first day of the festival, and an art exhibition in Paisley open every day throughout the 10-day event, which will also see a group unveil their ‘Aye Welcome Refugees ‘. Paisley pattern inspired banner.
In Glasgow, Huss Al-Chokhdar, a member of the Scottish Refugee Festival team, will draw on his own experience to organize three events to celebrate Arab resilience, including an event at the Glasgow Film Theatre, showing a series of six short films from all over the Arab regions. from Palestine, Syria, Egypt and a film made by Huss himself.
He said: “It means a lot to me. I have found it very empowering personally, especially with everything that is happening in Palestine now and all the stigma around Arabs. It is more important than ever to celebrate our cultures and identities and provide safe spaces for people.
“Seeing so many people contributing to the festival in their own unique way is such an inspiration. There is so much unity. It’s lovely to see how unique each contribution is. It all comes from such a personal place for everyone.”
Pitlochry Festival Theater will also welcome positive vibes with a day of Light Hope and Joy on June 19 and will host a series of workshops and activities.
Deborah Dickinson, a producer at the theatre, said: “We look forward to welcoming Nova Scotians and Scots to the Theater to enjoy artistic activities in the beautiful Scottish landscape that surrounds us and to celebrate our common humanity.”
The festival will coincide with World Refugee Day on June 20, and the full program is now available on their official website.
The Chief Executive of the Scottish Refugee Council, Sabir Zazai said that the festival comes at the right time to welcome diversity and acceptance in Scotland, adding how important it is to promote the stories of people who have come to make Scotland their home.
He said: “The last year has been extremely difficult for people in the refugee community. It is important to make time for moments of joy, connect with each other, and enjoy not only what we have in common but also what makes us all unique.
“The festival is an opportunity to come together and share stories, celebrate each other’s culture, and learn more about our new neighbours.
“Together, we can rise above the hostile environment and find strength in our communities.”
