What’s on: Friday 13 June
Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 kicks off on Friday 13 June with an exciting range of events taking place across the country. From live performances and film screenings to community feasts and creative workshops, there’s something for everyone. Here are some highlights for the first day of the festival!
1. 2025 Festival Launch
When: 5:00pm – 8:30pm
Where: CCA, Glasgow
Join us at CCA for the official launch of the 2025 Festival. From 5:00pm–6:30pm, the Creative Lab will preview LIVE IN ART, a group exhibition curated by multidisciplinary artist and cultural activist Syeda Sadaf Anwar. No registration required—just drop in.
At 7:15pm, head to the CCA Cinema for a screening of Within the Fragments of Gurbet, a new film by documentary filmmaker Bircan Birol. Tickets are free but booking is essential. Refreshments will be provided.
2. Coffee and Stories: Eritrean Coffee Ceremony
When: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow
Come along to this welcoming Eritrean Coffee Ceremony, hosted by members of the UNESCO Chair. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and the chance to connect, share stories, and explore how this tradition fosters peace, support, and community.
This is a drop-in event. All are welcome—families, friends and even dogs!
3. Future Voices
When: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Ayr Town Hall
Presented by South Ayrshire Council and Never Such Innocence, Future Voices showcases poems, art, and performances by local primary pupils. Ukrainian and Scottish children come together in a creative celebration of milestones—personal, cultural, and collective. This event is free to attend.
4. Scottish Inter-cultural Association Annual Friendship BBQ
When: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: International Welcome Club, Kelvin West Church of Scotland, Glasgow
Celebrate friendship, community and cultural exchange at this annual BBQ hosted by the Scottish Inter-cultural Association. Whether you’re new to Glasgow or have lived here for years, everyone is welcome to enjoy delicious food, good company, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
5. Inverclyde Refugee Festival!
When: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Online
Join ‘Your Voice Inverclyde’ at its vibrant festival event featuring stalls, live music, delicious food, and exciting performances.
6. A Life in One Suitcase
When: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Where: The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Edinburgh
“A Life in One Suitcase” is a powerful vocal and dance performance telling the story of a person forced to leave home forever – with only a suitcase of memories. The event also features a photo exhibition, traditional Petrykivka paintings, Motanka dolls, and personal belongings of refugees – offering a moving glimpse into lives disrupted by displacement.
Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 is made possible with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and Flutter UKIs Cash4Clubs programme (delivered in partnership with Sported). Many thanks to all our generous funders.
