What’s On: Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 June
It’s the first weekend of Refugee Festival Scotland and there is so much happening across Scotland over the next few days. Not sure where to begin? Here are 10 great events to get you started
1. Building Together: Community in Construction
When: 15 June, 10am-4pm
Where: Top Drawer Construction, Glasgow
If you have woodworking skills, or want to learn, join Top Drawer for a day of crafting at their workshop in Govanhill. Try your hand at building everything from building accessible timber planters to kids’ climbing frames.
2. Come and Try Day
When: 15 June, 10am-3.30pm
Where: Civic Hall Perth
Try out a range of activities for body and mind, including tai chi, Zumba, karate and yoga. Open to all and free of charge.
3. The Rise Festival – North Lanarkshire
When: 15 June, 2-5pm
Where: Cornerstone House Centre, Cumbernauld
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of music, arts and crafts, games and activities celebrating North Lanarkshire’s diverse and welcoming communities. Meet new friends and sample delicious food and drink from around the world.
4. Rising above it all – opening event
When: 15 June, 3-5pm
Where: Glenburn Baptist Church, Paisley
This uplifting exhibition showcases art created by children and young people from refugee backgrounds. Their work is inspired by characters they have read about in books who have risen above obstacles and incorporates their own stories.
5. Bo’ness Kite Festival (15-16 June)
Learn to make your own kite then meet at the seaside the following day to enjoy a picnic and watch your creation soar through the sky at this two-part family friendly event from Rainbow Women’s Group
- When: 15 June, 10am
- Where: D2 Creative Centre, Bo’ness
Kite festival community picnic
- When: 16 June, 11am-2pm
- Where: Bo’ness Foreshore
6. The Unbroken Thread – Embroidery Workshops
When: 16 June, 11am-4pm
Where: V&A Dundee
Learn the basics and advanced techniques of Ukrainian Vyshyanka embroidery and give making a Motanka Doll a try.
7. GAS Language Exchange Celebration
When: 16 June, 1-6pm
Where: Victoria Court Workspace, Glasgow
Head over to Govanhill for an afternoon of fun, food and cultural exchange. Everyone is welcome. whether you’re a language enthusiast, a refugee or asylum seeker, or just someone looking to connect with others.
8. Football for All
When: 16 June, 3-7pm
Where: Toryglen Regional Football Centre, Glasgow
Refugees and young people facing language and cultural barriers are invited to join Afroscots United for a free afternoon of fun and football. Everyone welcome. Food and refreshment will be provided.
9. Hit the Road – film screening
When: 16 June, 5.20-7.20pm
Where: GFT, Glasgow
This charming Iranian comedy drama follows a chaotic family of four on a road-trip. As they care for their sick dog and reflect on the past, the purpose of their journey unfolds. Tickets are available on a sliding scale and are free for refugees and people in the asylum system.
10. ARAB TAKEOVER
When: 16 June, 7pm-12am
Where: Civic House, Glasgow
Head over to Civic House for a spectacular night of live music, DJs, drag queens and performers celebrating Arab culture, creativity and resilience.
