Greenwich is gearing up to mark Refugee Week 2025 with a powerful celebration of community spirit, resilience, and solidarity — reflecting this year’s national theme, “Community as a Superpower.”
Running from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 June, the week-long programme is packed with events that spotlight the contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, while encouraging residents to unite in compassion, inclusivity and shared purpose.
As a designated Borough of Sanctuary, Royal Greenwich has long championed the values of welcome and support for those fleeing war, persecution, and hardship. The council, working closely with local partners, schools, community groups, and residents, is committed to building a borough where everyone feels safe and valued — regardless of background or migration status.
A council spokesperson said:
“This year’s theme reminds us that our greatest strength lies in our diversity and solidarity. Refugee Week is a chance to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. We’re proud to be a Borough of Sanctuary, and we have welcomed hundreds of people in recent years. It’s our goal to ensure all newcomers can thrive — contributing to our economy, community and culture while living in safety.”
A Festival of Cultures in the Heart of Woolwich
The highlight of the week will be a vibrant community festival in General Gordon Square, Woolwich, on Saturday 21 June, from 10am to 2pm. Free and open to all, the event promises a day of colour, music, global flavours and joyful togetherness.
Festival-goers can look forward to live world music from local DJ aNiche, global-themed face painting, international food stalls, and hands-on workshops — including crafts led by local artist Sarah Schmidt and the popular ‘Style Me African’ crafts stall. There will also be a reiki healing stall, support and information booths, and even an inflatable slide for children.
“This event is about honouring the stories and talents of those who have made their home here, while giving the wider community a chance to come together in a celebration of our shared humanity,” the spokesperson added.
Borough-Wide Events to Educate, Empower and Inspire
Beyond the Saturday festival, a diverse line-up of talks, performances, and workshops will be hosted by local organisations and community partners throughout the week — with many events taking place at the University of Greenwich, Stockwell Street campus.
Afrobeats Dance Masterclass:
On Tuesday 17 June, professional choreographer Rachel Adekoya will lead an energetic Afrobeats dance session at the Moorings Social Club in Thamesmead, offering attendees the chance to experience the power of African movement and rhythm. No registration is needed — just turn up and move!
University of Greenwich Refugee Week Fair:
On Wednesday 18 June, the University will host a community fair featuring a range of support organisations offering guidance on legal rights, integration, employment and more. A variety of themed sessions will run throughout the day, including:
- Ikigai Workshop: Explore purpose and identity through this Japanese self-development concept.
- Entrepreneurship & Migration Talk: With insights from Dr Stefan Lang and Dr Michael Wynn-Williams.
- “Living in London Without English” Performance: A powerful participatory theatre experience by English for Action students.
- Careers Café: A specialist drop-in with refugee-focused career advice from Luisa Ares.
- Finance for Refugees: A session on managing money and financial planning, led by Mohmed Loonat.
- Creative Writing & Mental Health: A reflective writing workshop on identity and wellbeing.
- ‘King Tide’ Performance: An audio-visual experience by Garling Wu and Clovis McEvoy exploring displacement and climate change.
All events are free, though some require pre-registration through the University of Greenwich website.
Arts, Music and Celebration
The Citizens of the World Choir — a refugee-led vocal group — will release the first two singles from their debut album Echo of Your Voice on World Refugee Day, Friday 20 June. The digital launch will be available online for public download and streaming.
That same weekend, Woolwich Works will host “There and Here – A Celebration” on Saturday 21 June from 3pm to 6:30pm, organised by Protein Dance and Greenwich Borough of Sanctuary. The event will feature performances, refugee-led art, and a communal meal, aiming to spotlight the talent, creativity and perseverance of migrants and sanctuary seekers in the borough.
A Call to Action
As Greenwich celebrates its sanctuary values, residents and organisations are also being invited to sign a pledge of support for the national sanctuary movement. The pledge underscores a collective commitment to a welcoming society, one where compassion and dignity are extended to all.
To find out more about the Refugee Week programme, or to explore how the council supports refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, visit: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/support-for-refugees.
