Refugee Week 2026

Refugee Week is a UK-wide celebration that recognises the contributions and resilience of those seeking sanctuary. It’s a time to come together, learn from one another and celebrate the power of community.

Throughout the week, a variety of events and activities will showcase the warmth, unity and support that exists across our borough.

This page will be regularly updated with details of Refugee Week events.

Wandsworth Council Refugee Week 2026

Wandsworth Council will be kicking off Refugee Week 2026 with a free celebration at the Clapham Grand on Monday 15 June.

This special evening brings together residents, local organisations, and sanctuary seekers for a night of music, performance, delicious (free) food and community connection.

• Date: Monday 15 June 2026
• Time: 5.30 to 8pm
• Location: The Clapham Grand, 21 to 25 St John’s Hill, SW11 1TT

Book tickets on Eventbrite

'It Takes Courage' art exhibition

Hosted by Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees.

Join Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees for an art exhibition exploring the theme of courage; the courage to seek safety, to rebuild lives, to stand in solidarity and to find moments of joy. The event brings together artists, community groups, people with lived experience and will feature free workshops and activities throughout Refugee Week.

• Date: Monday 15 June to Saturday 20 June 2026
• Time: 11am to 5pm
• Location: Sprouts Arts, 74 Moyser Road, SW16 6SQ

Embrace Change as Growth

Hosted by Children Hope Forever.

Children Hope Forever will be running a creative writing workshop with free food, art and reflective sharing.

• Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
• Time: 9:30am to 1pm
• Location: Wandsworth VCS Hub, Room 60 Ground Floor, Wandsworth Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PU

Find out more about the Embrace Change as Growth workshop.

Open mic poetry night and art show

To celebrate Refugee Week, Balham Library is hosting an open mic poetry night and art show showcasing work that reflects the 2026 theme of ‘Courage’.

• Date: Wednesday 17 June 2026
• Time: 5:30pm to 7:45pm
• Location: Study Room, Balham Library, 16 Ramsden Road, SW12 8QY

Sign up for the open mic poetry night and art show.

Refugee Week Film Club

Join TARA Theatre and Compass Collective for short and feature length films created by sanctuary seekers, celebrating their stories and highlighting their diverse lived experience. Each screening invites audiences to reflect on themes of community, humanity and courage.

This event is open to the public.

• Date: Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 June
• Location: Tara Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, SW18 4ES

For more information about this event contact info@taratheatre.com.

Seeds of Courage

Hosted by Bridges to Change Community Empowerment Network

This free, family-friendly event offers green-skills planting workshops, sustainable crafts, multilingual story-sharing and wellbeing-focused community activities for refugee women and families.

• Date: Thursday 18 June
• Time: 10am to 2pm
• Location: Roehampton Family Hub, Room 166, Roehampton Lane, SW15 4HR 

For more details about the Seeds of Courage event email ghanihinausman@gmail.com. 

Refugee Week Community Celebration

By invitation only. Katherine Low Settlement will be hosting a celebratory picnic for their volunteers, supporters and members.

• Date: Thursday 18 June 2026

Courage

Hosted by Happy Homes Community.

Support, information and activities for refugees and asylum seekers. Activities include poetry sharing, cultural games, an art exhibition created by community women, and food and refreshments, creating a welcoming space for connection and community engagement.

• Date: Friday 19 June 2026
• Time: 4 to 7pm
• Location: York Gardens Library, 34 Lavender Road, SW11 2UG

Pathways to Courage

A free community event for all ages. Join Roehampton Wellbeing for Women and Children for food, jewellery and clothing stalls, henna, arts and craft and music.

• Date: Saturday 20 June 2026
• Time: 2 to 6pm
• Location: Alton Community Hall1 Petersfield Rise, London SW15 4AE